Legal news

Recorded crimes slightly up after reaching long term low
Figures also show clear-up rate in further decline

Lord President concerned at lack of candidates for bench
Address at opening of legal year highlights changes in court business

Apprenticeships needed to reduce barriers to profession, MSPs report
Justice Committee calls for new entry route to be progressed without delay

Memorial service to be held for Professor Joe Thomson
Edinburgh event on 13 October to honour his life and work

20mph urban speed limit bill introduced to Holyrood
Green MSP wants to make 30mph roads the exception

EU judges to be asked to rule on article 50 withdrawal
Inner House refers question in politicians' petition

Tough decisions needed to improve Scottish economy, researchers claim
Report commissioned by Shepherd & Wedderburn shows productivity lagging

Hospital cafe gives offenders a second chance with jobs
Glasgow Dental "Street & Arrow" project offers new start

UK European arrest warrants must be recognised pending Brexit: CJEU
Refusal only where concrete evidence of risk to fundamental rights

More work, but not always more profit, for Scottish law firms, survey shows
2018 benchmarking survey finds size a main factor in partner profit

Prison inspectors' report calls for more treatment programmes
Risk of release without reoffending safeguards: annual report

Parking adjudicators to transfer to Scottish Tribunals
Consultation running on new draft rules

Practice note extends affidavit guidance in family actions
Updated version builds on experience in defended actions

Scots young carer grant benefit goes out to views
Ministers consult on policy and draft regulations

Latest house transaction figures continue Scottish trend
Registers report July prices up; May volumes down

Keep children out of court – but test their evidence: Faculty
Response to Vulnerable Witnesses Bill calls for informed challenge

Vialex expands south of the border
Berwick office to assist growth in north of England

"Same roof" rule to go in criminal injuries compensation review
Ministers seek to improve position of child abuse and terror victims

Seven new solicitor advocates admitted
Court ceremony follows gaining of extended rights

Hijab exclusion from court a human rights violation, judges rule
Human Rights Court finds restriction not justified by public order grounds

Inksters adds Edinburgh base to growing network
Property lawyer Steven McDonald to head new office

Human rights defenders deserve Nobel Prize: Faculty
Advocates back Peace Brigades International campaign

One in three solicitors at risk of violence, survey finds
Assault, threatening behaviour or communications commonplace

Faculty believes new support fund is helping diversity cause
Devilling interest leaps in wake of scholarship launch