Legal news

European courts block state surveillance of lawyer consultations
Human Rights and Dutch courts uphold professional privilege

Dean of Faculty elected Bencher of Middle Temple
James Wolffe follows Roy Martin and Richard Keen in receiving honour

Committee gets straight to work as Lobbying Bill published
Standards Committee issues call for evidence

Referendum debate let Scotland "think big" about human rights: SHRC
2014-15 annual report describes "busy and productive year"

Brodies trainee wins SYLA/WS Society essay contest
John Morgan writes best entry on innovation and court reform

Guide published as new welfare report rules come in
Court must specify content of and liability to pay for report

Forged signature had to make disposition void, Inner House rules
Lord Ordinary erred in exercising discretion against reduction

SCJC revises "Winter Tour" dates
Schedule cut to three events to reflect demand

Justice Committee neutral on revised legal aid appeal regulations
No recommendation as Society warns of solicitors struggling with 1992 rates

Lord Strathclyde to lead review of House of Lords powers
Downing Street acts in response to Government defeats on tax credits

Solicitor struck off for 2003 embezzlement
Michael Karus declared unfit after jail sentence

Judicial Institute's Hub wins European innovation prize
"Crystal Scales of Justice" awarded to Scottish training body

Juror fined for contempt for checking witness connection on Facebook
Penalty for defiance of specific instruction upheld by appeal court

Property sales at highest volume since slump, Registers figures show
Sales in July-September quarter 6.5% up on previous year

Partner and director promotions at Murray Beith Murray
Andrew Paterson and Sean Cockburn advanced from 1 November

Review of Lords powers to follow tax credit Government defeat
Row over whether peers behaved unconstitutionally in blocking cut

Commissioner refuses information appeal over "rendition" report
Public interest in favour of protecting police investigation

"Named person" law challenge to be taken to Supreme Court
Campaigners to appeal Court of Session reversals

Gender pay gap to be tackled with new information measures
Larger businesses and public sector to face further requirements

Director freed from claim in "Tartan Army" trade mark case
Pleadings fail to make case for lifting the corporate veil

Stable prices but faster selling times, GSPC reports for latest quarter
Houses selling on average two to three weeks faster than last year

Trial tainted by non-neutral interpreter, appeal court rules
Risk of prejudice from expert who was close to speech-impaired complainer

"English votes for English laws" passed after bad tempered debate
Government resists amendments to scheme for additional Commons stage

Banks must be made to work harder for custom: CMA report
Low level of customer switching means too little pressure