Legal news

SLCC annual report reveals 12% rise in complaints
Small drop in those accepted as eligible

Lord Advocate to give Human Rights Day lecture
Faculty/JUSTICE Scotland event looks at prosecution and human rights

Lord President declines Justice Committee invitation over COPFS inquiry
Letter states judges "cannot make contribution of assistance"

Supreme Court could sit round the UK, Neuberger hints in speech
President "in process of trying to change" London-only hearings

Bonomy proposes tightening of hunt legislation
Review finds weaknesses in ban on hunting with dogs

Scottish Government confirms proposals for jury research
Two year project to follow up Lord Bonomy recommendations

Lord Advocate defends "rigorous approach" to abuse cases
Conference speech insists prosecutions only taken where enough evidence

Matheson calls justice system summit to review Brexit risks
Law enforcement, family and commercial issues on St Andrew's House agenda

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Fourteen year old allowed dying wish for cryonic preservation
High Court judge gives mother power to make arrangements

Devolved Governments permitted to intervene in article 50 appeal
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all to be represented

Child abuse damages time limit bill introduced to Holyrood
Law change will make action easier for survivors of post-1964 abuse

SLAB details simple procedure legal aid rules
Fees to be chargeable on detailed fee basis

Eight lawyers appointed to Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland
Six advocates and two solicitors join legal members

Drinks lobby to appeal minimum price ruling to Supreme Court
Argument that Inner House did not properly review EU law compatibility

Government not to seek further limits on Lords, BBC reports
Strathclyde proposals over statutory instruments not to be pursued

Lady Hale to sit in article 50 appeal despite protests over speech
Deputy President denies any bias in setting out issues

Facebook messages to ex-partner over contact held not to be threatening
Appeal against conviction allowed despite complainer's distress

Lord Hodge address sets out "pillars" of judicial independence
Ten features include stand against media "caricatures"

Police, prosecutors clash over domestic abuse cases
Fiscals deny claims that hopeless cases being taken to court

UK to opt in to new Europol powers
Scottish minister says questions remain over future post-Brexit

Glasgow solicitor named as Latvian Honorary Consul
David Kaye becomes first office holder since independence

SHRC backs UN report over impact of welfare cuts
Call on UK Government to reverse effect on disabled

Fiscal Service struggling with underfunding, inquiry submissions reveal
Police, Fiscals' Society and union all point to resource pressures