Legal news

British Library announces favourites for digital "Magna Carta" clauses
Free information, and freedom from censorship, top the vote

Rab Forman awarded MBE for political service
Solicitor who now chairs Scottish Conservatives named in Birthday Honours

Driver should be liable under smoking in cars law: Society
Call for child protection law to mirror position in England

Friday deadline for booking first SCJC information event
Updating seminar to be held in early July

Public service contractors could be subjected to FOI
Consultation running on security, care and educational functions

Ministers act to correct legal aid gap for double jeopardy accused
ABWOR to cover permission hearings in light of Francis Auld case

Society's charity shop venture raises £550
Proceeds of day-long fundraising will support Nepal earthquake appeal

Survey finds public support for Offensive Behaviour at Football Act
Evaluation after two years indicates decline in behaviour targeted

Latest hate crime figures reveal downward trend
All categories except disability show fewer charges

Supreme Court more popular with visitors – and litigants
Annual report records one third rise in footfall in 2014-15

"Snoopers' charter" should face legal curbs, says independent report
Terrorism law reviewer calls for strict controls

Serious concerns voiced over legal aid in new court set-up
Society "disappointed and frustrated" that ministers ignored submissions

Prices up, sales down in Registers' 10-year property report
35% average rise in house prices over decade

Holyrood given power to set own election dates
MSPs to decide to length of terms from 2016

Six partners among 40 promotions at Maclays
Record round affects all four offices

BLM appoints litigation partner as Scottish team expands
Frank Hughes from DAC Beachcroft one of five new hires

Eviction appeals need "compelling reasons": sheriff principal
Judgment criticises speculative attempts to buy time

Counterpart signing to be legal from 1 July
Order laid for commencement of Legal Writings Act

Shepherd & Wedderburn figures boosted by Tods Murray deal
Revenues and profits up by a quarter in latest financial year

Scottish executive partner appointments at DWF
Pignatelli and Lawrence named for Glasgow and Edinburgh offices

Society questions effect of apologies under new bill
"Well intentioned", but will bill have desired impact?

Car hire concerns as driving licence counterparts abolished
Penalty points only to be recorded electronically from now on

Gateley raises over £30m in stock market launch
Firm becomes first UK law practice to trade shares publicly

Notebook entry stating testamentary wish held valid will
Alcoholic's writing leaving everything to sister given effect