Legal news

Forensic mental health interim report highlights issues
Evidence shows system at capacity and problems accessing services

Registers reports huge use of new digital processes
Keeper reports positive reaction to digital submission service

Gilson Gray hires Dundee office head
Property lawyer Lindsay Darroch joins Gilson Gray

Fourteen appointees named for shrieval bench
Eleven sheriffs and three summary sheriffs chosen from this year's round

Large gatherings in houses now an offence
New anti-COVID-19 regulations penalise house parties of more than 15

Rangers administrators: Lord Advocate admits malice
Interim payments awarded in actions for malicious prosecution

Margaret Ross retires from Aberdeen University chair
Court and tribunal expert steps down after 28 years at university

Lorna Jack appointed to trade talks advisory group
Chief executive to speak for Scotland's lawyers as UK seeks new deals

Bill to continue CAP passes final stage
MSPs unanimously back ongoing farming support schemes

Death ends appeal seeking conduct finding: SSDT
Unfair to proceed without solicitor being able to defend themselves

Children (Scotland) Bill passes final stage
Unanimous support from MSPs after stage 3 debate

Stephens to be Northern Ireland's Supreme Court Justice
Lord Justice Stephens named to follow retiring Lord Kerr

Two counsel named for Sheku Bayoh inquiry
Angela Grahame QC and Laura Thomson appointed as counsel to the inquiry

Face masks to be worn in courthouses from next week
Additional health measure in place as business increases

Abuse survivor redress bill goes out to views
MSPs call for submissions on proposed scheme as stage 1 opens

Public should not feel young offenders get off: Faculty
Sentencing guideline response backs rehabilitation, but warns of perception

30 November start for conviction disclosure changes
Job and insurance applicants to benefit from earlier spent conviction dates

Online simple procedure to be mandatory – with exceptions
SCJC agrees need to avoid prejudice, and for application interface

Lord Woolman to be President of Scottish Tribunals
Lady Smith stepping down after six years in post

Positive balance but drawbacks from homeworking: report
Survey of office workers shows pros and cons of enforced remote working

Report shows COVID-19 impact on ministerial orders
Large number of SSIs cut across 28 day commencement rule

Burness Paull lands four partners for business support
Quartet of hires to boost COVID recovery expertise

Faculty questions minimum pricing under UK market plans
Doubts whether public health measure could be part of UK Government scheme

Litigation Act prompts revised scheme for advocate fees
Speculative fee changes reflected in revisions to scheme