Legal news

Planning decision times improving, official figures report
Average times for major and local developments down in 2015-16

"Named person" judgment to be delivered in a week's time
Supreme Court to rule on Scottish Government scheme

Partner's annual sum only payable if profit made, court rules
Agreement made all payments dependent on available "net profit"

Appeal for volunteer lawyers for Lesvos migrant help
CCBE aims to support those needing international protection

Offshore wind farms stalled as court upholds RSPB challenge
Ministers' decision making flawed and in breach of EU law

Supreme Court restates illegality rule as bar to action
Court should consider relevant factors to decide where public interest lies

Ministers plan legislative attack on child poverty in Scotland
Consultation soon on proposals for new bill

UK and Ireland bars voice concerns over rule of law in Turkey
Statement seeks joint European response to mass detentions

Tribute paid to former Society President Jock Smith
Death of Peterhead solicitor who led the profession

Gateley reports strong results following flotation
Double digit growth at first UK-listed law firm

Strict rules needed for general data retention: Advocate General
Opinion covering UK Act proposes five conditions to be met

Crown Office criticised over summary child abuse case
Sheriff says accused deserves four years for same period of ill treatment

Too soon to end Commission's tribunal status, crofting lawyer urges
Submission argues for checks and balances over exercise of powers

HBJ Gateley recruits private client partner
Gregor Mitchell joins from Stronachs

Crofting Commission status change wins Faculty support
Body proposed to be removed from statutory list of tribunals

Faculty admits chartered engineer and former naval officer
QC's son is latest intrant

Stop and search: Society questions benefit of new powers
Response puts view that current police powers sufficient

Scottish Law Commission proposes new third party contract rights law
SLC proposing modern, updated statute to "put Scotland back on the map"

New Vice President to Sheriff Appeal Court appointed
Sheriff Principal Abercrombie, QC, to replace Sheriff Principal Scott

Not-for-profit organisation launched to improve employment opportunities for disabled
Purple will tackle inequity in employment by supporting both businesses and individuals

Liz Truss becomes Justice Secretary in Theresa May's Government
First woman Lord Chancellor appointed as Michael Gove leaves cabinet

Court refuses leave to appeal complaint judged "totally without merit"
SLCC fails to recover expenses despite "misguided" appeal

Ruthven Gemmell to head devolved tax tribunals
Solicitor made Temporary President pending transfer into Scottish Tribunals

Court performance has improved despite closures, report concludes
Evaluation study says gains achieved despite increase in business