Legal news

Mother loses "secondary victim" award, but grief damages upheld
Witnessing aftermath of accident not enough where no knowledge son involved

Bill will allow stop and search of children for drink – after consultation
Justice Secretary to seek public's views on need for power

Football supporters offered options on rights in their clubs
Ministers open consultation under Community Empowerment Act

ICO takes action over missing evidence DVD
Undertaking required from legal firm after collection arrangement fails

Carmichael election petition court wants to hear evidence
False statements affecting election can be about oneself, judges rule

Scottish Fiscal Commission Bill comes before the Parliament
Statutory basis for body scrutinising Government revenue forecasts

Audit Scotland plays down defence lawyer "scam" report
Focus group comments claimed lawyers put clients off guilty pleas

Urgent action needed to resolve Salvesen type tenancy cases, MSPs say
Letter asks Cabinet Secretary to report every fortnight on progress

Advocates oppose time bar relaxation for child abuse cases
Waivers of three year rule should remain as case by case, response states

Partner and associate hires at Gillespie Macandrew
Additions made to energy and housebuilder teams

Legal services would be harder hit by Brexit, LSEW research reports
Study claims "disproportionate disadvantage" due to sector reliance

Standard Life's Tyson wins Society Council by-election
In-house lawyer wins Edinburgh seat in three-way contest

Society looks forward to "Legal Excellence" conference
Theme coincides with new five year strategy

Ministers seek further restrictions on short prison sentences
Consultation asks about excluding jail option for some offences

Fife company makes bribery civil settlement with Crown
Glenrothes firm reported itself for failing to prevent third party

Offshore consultant hire for Burness Paull
Peter Lunny joins from Technip UK

Environmental information the weak link, FOI annual report suggests
Commissioner calls for greater awareness of separate rules

Lord Advocate calls for extra powers over health and safety investigation
Ability to direct should equal that with police and SEPA

Scots legal firm in New York tie-up
Nimmo WS creates joint venture with Manhattan practice

Adoption and fostering seekers given new support
Funding for body to replace closed BAAF

Criminal cases putting sheriff courts under strain, Audit Scotland reports
Reducing budgets and more complex cases pile on the pressure

Stage 1 report backs bill against smoking in cars with children
MSPs recommend driver should be penalised as well as smoker

Scottish Sentencing Council to operate from 19 October
Order laid as assurance given about membership

Company restored to register not reinstated as tenant: Inner House
Statutory "general effect" provision gives way to property scheme