Legal news
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Jury trials to return to the islands in spring
Assurances received from GEOAmey over future performance
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SCTS revises criminal case backlog predictions
Summary cases now to be cleared in 2024-25, and High Court in 2025
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Current justice funding model unsustainable: MSP report
Committee calls for spend-to-save model to avert crisis in system
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Crime figures up 3% in first full post-Covid year
Total recorded crime still 3% below 2019 figure
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MSPs call for clarity on Wildlife and Muirburn Bill
Stage 1 report proposes changes and seeks further information
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Ministers propose permanent digital justice changes
Consultation open on continuing post-Covid measures, and other reforms
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Glasgow plea surgery off to promising start
Anwar initiative leads to early resolution of solemn and summary cases
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Ecocide Bill proposed by Labour MSP
Monica Lennon consults on plan for new environmental crime in Scots law
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Ex-sheriff fined for offensive phone remarks
Alistair Duff pled guilty to sexual and racist comments
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Ministers set out justice programme through to 2026
Delivery Plan takes forward Vision for Justice objectives
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Death by driving sentencing guideline approved by court
First offence-specific guideline comes into effect on 16 January
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Abortion Safe Access Zones Bill goes out to views
MSPs begin stage 1 scrutiny of measure to restrict anti-abortion actions
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Fee rises and more cases raise legal aid bill by 14%
SLAB annual report records £135m total spend in 2022-23
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High summary trial demand affecting SCTS recovery plan
Level of outstanding trials slowing progress: comment on monthly figures
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Appeal allowed for directions beyond prior submissions
Miscarriage of justice where judge raised matter not founded on in speeches
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Swearing and calling police “hun” was aggravated breach
Sheriff could use judicial knowledge to convict of sectarian abuse
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Bill introduced for abortion “safe access zones”
Controversial member’s bill has support of Scottish Government
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Report records increased demands on COPFS since Covid
Inspectorate of Prosecution report for 2022-23 approves use of diversion
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SLAB consults about A&A and ABWOR policies
Views sought to inform possible reforms
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Solemn trial waiting times stay high as JP court falls
Latest SCTS figures show time lag remains despite higher throughput
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Dundee Justice Hub to open next summer
Facility will support vulnerable witnesses across sheriffdom
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New baseline needed for cases awaiting trial: Carloway
Lord President opens legal year, conceding no return to pre-Covid position
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Police Ethics and Scrutiny Bill goes out to views
Evidence invited for MSPs' stage 1 report
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More reform needed to help the vulnerable: Carloway
Lord Justice General highlights ongoing issues with practices and resources