Legal news
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High Court rejects consent in advance as defence to rape
Accused claimed partner agreed to being woken by intercourse

Sentencing Council to research young people's attitudes and development
Studies to be part of commissioned research in 2019-20

Three new members for SCCRC
Solicitor, advocate and psychiatrist join review body

Sheridan fails with SCCRC judicial review attempt
No error of law in refusal to examine perjury conviction

Police should halt "cyber kiosks" pending legal clarity, MSPs say
Report criticises Police Authority for lack of effective oversight

Rape corroborated with Moorov by sexual assault evidence
Court rejects argument that deletion changed character of offence

Crown opposes fetter on prosecution under anti-smacking law
Proposed presumption “at odds” with structure of justice system

Controversy as "offender" references removed from bill
Government accepts Labour move aimed at helping rehabilitation

Parole hearings could give limited role to victims, Faculty suggests
Personal statements by victims and families could be put before board

Stricter controls on curfew breaches proposed in bill amendments
Ministers propose new police powers to enter and search

Extended domestic abuse offence comes into force
Psychological abuse and controlling behaviour now criminal

Work starts on new Kirkcaldy court complex
Two criminal courtrooms could pave way for justice complex

Crime figures show downturn in latest year
Overall 16% year-on-year decline in 2017-18

Police and fire reforms brought consistency despite failures, MSPs say
Post-legislative scrutiny calls for further changes

Dorrian to chair sex offence trials review group
Remit to seek ways to improve experience for those taking part

US judges impress with "therapeutic justice" presentations
Faculty seminar delivers insights into alternative approach

Bribery Act is "exemplary legislation", peers say in report
Post-legislative scrutiny concludes other countries should adopt approach

No conflict between case management and right to fair trial: Carloway
Lord Justice General's address traces statutory change against ECHR rights

Legal aid fee system review panel members announced
Eleven-strong body to advise on evidence-based approach

More trials but fewer adjournments reported in latest court figures
Criminal business statistics published for Q3 of 2018-19

CCTV evidence can be sufficient proof of offence: Appeal Court
Real evidence, properly established, can be conclusive

Lord Justice Clerk defends sentencing guideline timescales
MSP raises concerns following controversial sex assault case

Interim report published of review of miners' strike policing
John Scott QC requests additional time to complete full report

Judge allows girl's 16-year-old killer to be identified
Aaron Campbell named as accused in Alesha MacPhail case