Legal news
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Recorded crimes total remains below pre-Covid level
Figures for year to June 2023 show some rises but overall fall on 2019
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Prison overcrowding worse again, Chief Inspector warns
Annual report warns every part of justice system at risk, and the community
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Sheriffs principal to set time limits on custody courts
Judges act in interests of wellbeing as response to GEOAmey disruption
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Glasgow drug pilot likely after Lord Advocate statement
Prosecution for possession within facility not in public interest: Bain
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Report sheds light on victim underreporting of violence
Glasgow University study reveals attitudes of repeat victims
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Review sets out pointers for substance abuse sentencing
Community disposal better than prison, though voluntary treatment best
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SCTS "urgently assessing options" with GEOAmey problems
Courts body could accelerate use of virtual custodies
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Edinburgh sheriffs offer Autumn Talk Series
Three talks aim to improve criminal practitioner skills
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SCTS publishes latest criminal case figures
Statistics compare July 2023 to pre-COVID numbers
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No oppression or ECHR breach in wife’s US extradition
Stepmother to face serious fraud charges after appeal refused
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SCTS June case figures reflect shift to solemn
Additional courts sitting to help reduce backlog
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Islands jury trials moved due to GEOAmey problems
Future trials to take place in Aberdeen, Inverness or Peterhead meantime
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Victims expert appointed to Scottish Sentencing Council
Lynn Burns has personal experience and as member of victims' groups
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Solicitor given two years for taking money as attorney
John Sinclair embezzled £120,000 from elderly woman with dementia
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Sex cases diversion from prosecution to be reviewed
Lord Advocate orders review of handling of serious sex offences
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Holyrood Ministers call for drugs to be decriminalised
Scottish Government says move will help drug users
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Sentencing Council publishes victim services web page
Information and support recognised as promoting justice system fairness
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Court wi-fi access upgrades coming, SCTS confirms
Improvements programme will deliver further results from summer 2023
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Bail and Release Bail passed despite opposition
MSPs vote 66-44 at stage 3 for reformed bail test and release provisions
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Firework control zone provisions in force from today
Further legal measures add to clampdown on reckless use
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Court case figures for May reflect shift towards solemn
Solemn business above pre-Covid levels; summary figures stay below
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Justice Reform Bill call for views opens at Holyrood
MSPs will conduct evidence sessions in three phases once submissions in
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Concerns but stage 1 report backs Child Justice Bill
MSPs call for resources and proper extension of hearing referrals to age 18
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Report highlights community sentencing resource needs
Sentencing Council report highlights views at discussion event