Law Society of Scotland calls for an explanation for weekend court incident

Update: Tuesday 2 November

The Law Society of Scotland has again called on the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service to provide clarity and reassurance in relation to the incident that took place at Edinburgh Sheriff court at the weekend.

Ken Dalling, president of the Law Society, wrote to the CEO of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service Eric McQueen this morning. This follows the email received in response to a letter from the President and the open letter issued by David Fraser, SCTS Executive Director of Court Operations yesterday afternoon.

Ken Dalling said, “the events of last Saturday continue to cause deep and widespread concern. Regrettably, the responses so far from SCTS have failed to instil confidence amongst solicitors that the situation we saw over the weekend could not reoccur. I have suggested that SCTS revisit several key issues and hold an urgent meet to agree a way forward. I understand that such a meeting is taking place this morning”.

The President yesterday received a response from Assistant Chief Constable Kenny MacDonald regarding the police involvement in the incident.

Monday 1 November

The Law Society of Scotland has called on Police Scotland and the Scottish Courts Service to provide an explanation for an incident at the Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

Ken Dalling president, of the Law Society said: “I was deeply concerned by the news over the weekend of a solicitor being removed from the Edinburgh Sheriff Court by police whilst giving advice to a client.

“A key principle of our legal system is the right of a citizen to get independent legal advice without police interference. Any action which undermines this right is unacceptable. I have written to both Police Scotland and the Scottish Courts Service, asking for an early explanation. For the sake of the proper operation of our courts, and the wider interests of justice, each organisation must now quickly reassure solicitors and the public that the right to legal advice will be protected, whether in Edinburgh or any other court building in the land”.