Legal news

Stirling University honours two legal lights
Honorary degrees for Alexander McCall Smith and Laura Dunlop QC

CMA offers small business guides to competition law
Films and quiz among materials designed to increase awareness

Annual lecture and debate to be part of SYLA Christmas
Two events to cover future of advocacy

Penalties need to rise for wildlife crime, report concludes
Range of further measures proposed to make law more effective

Ministers seek to raise awareness of human rights benefits
New campaign contributes to Commission's Action Plan

Immigrant spouse English language guidance may be too strict: Supreme Court
Immigration Rules proportionate but further submissions invited on guidance

Writers combine to call for defamation law reform
Law has "failed to keep pace" with internet-led changes: letter

Sentencing Council opening marks new era: Carloway
VIPs welcome new body at official launch

SDLT fraud lands London conveyancer in jail
40 month sentence for underdeclaring and pocketing difference

JUSTICE Scotland wins top level backing for fundraising events
Lord Hodge to chair first of high profile discussions this week

Faculty sounds human rights warning over proposed sexual risk orders
Rights to liberty and private life could be infringed, evidence states

Letting agents rules will add unnecessary costs, Society claims
Consultation response argues for exemption for solicitors

Master Policy cover continues meantime for letters of obligation
Cover still in place under arrangements post-2012 Act

Degree needed to understand insurance small print, consumer body claims
Bank account conditions also criticised for inaccessible language

Justice system "entrenches people in poverty", study claims
Research finds most crime and victimisation in deprived areas

Self defence not available to threatening behaviour charge: appeal court
Conviction upheld for sword offence against police forcing entry to home

Time for evidence on the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Bill
Holyrood committee asks whether it does the job

LSEW brings in "good practice" trainee rates
Recommended pay comes a year after mandatory rate abolition

Society's school debating competition kicks off again
Donald Dewar tournament to cover internet harm in first round

Lord Advocate defends Crown Office against BBC bin lorry claims
Denial of derogatory comments and ignorance of driver's record

MSPs call for changes to community justice proposals
Stage 1 report supports bill subject to recommendations

Consumer Scotland body should support new devolved powers: report
Independent body needed to present consumer voice across policy areas

Partner and consultant join Raeburn Christie Clark & Wallace
Alasdair Smith and Gordon Davidson add to corporate department

Smoking and health measures backed in stage 1 report
Hospital smoking ban and e-cigarette controls among provisions approved