Author Archives: Absolvitor: Scots Law Online

Falkland Islanders “Better Together”

Posted on March 13, 2013

Earlier this week, the denizens of the Falkland Islands voted by an overwhelming majority to remain as an overseas territory of the United Kingdom.  This result was not unexpected, but are there any lessons to be learned for our own … Continue reading →

Posted in Constitutional Law, News | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Human Rights for the Commonwealth

Posted on March 11, 2013

So, the Queen today signed the new Commonwealth Charter, which for the first time in its 64 years history sets out a common vision, values and aims for the organisation, which represents one third of the world’s population. The document … Continue reading →

Posted in Human Rights, News, Politics | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill

Posted on December 13, 2012

The Scottish Government have published their consultation on the draft Bill to introduce same sex marriage in Scotland.  The draft Bill is called the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill and it will be pored over in great detail, no … Continue reading →

Posted in Discrimination, Family Law, News, Scottish Government | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Court Service’s Online Makeover

Posted on November 21, 2012

I note that the Scottish Court Service has indulged in an online makeover.  As far as I can make out, the content remains the same.  The presentation and navigation is much improved, although I don’t really care for the automatic … Continue reading →

Posted in Scottish Court Service, Website Reviews | Tagged | Leave a comment

DLA Piper’s Glasgow office under threat

Posted on November 13, 2012

DLA Piper is thinking about closing its Glasgow office following a review of UK operations. A DLA Piper spokesperson said: “Following a comprehensive review of our UK business designed to ensure that we are operating in a manner, in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Law Firms | Tagged | Leave a comment

Focus on alcohol

Posted on November 9, 2012

So, somewhat inevitably, the Scottish Government‘s minimum alcohol pricing laws have been challenged by the booze industry. Specifically, the Scotch Whisky Association and two European bodies which represent producers of spirit drinks and the wine industry and trade are petitioning … Continue reading →

Posted in Court of Session, Scottish Government | Tagged | 2 Comments

Church of (an independent) Scotland – Part 3

Posted on October 29, 2012

First of all, sorry about the gap in posting.  I’m going to try and post a bit more often now. In my absence, the Scottish and UK Governments have agreed the “Edinburgh Agreement” which will allow a referendum on independence … Continue reading →

Posted in Constitutional Law, Ecclesiatical Law, Scottish Government | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

law will eat itself

Posted on August 30, 2012

Very exciting news that the Tommy Sheridan pantomime is to continue. The former editor of the News of the World Scotland, Bob Bird, has been charged in connection with Tommy Sheridan’s defamation action. He has been charged with attempting to … Continue reading →

Posted in Criminal Law, Defamation, News | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Begone bastard!

Posted on July 1, 2012

Michael McMahon MSP has launched a consultation on his proposed Reform of Criminal Verdicts (Scotland) Bill which proposes abolishing the peculiarly Scottish “not proven” verdict in criminal trials – famously described by Sir Walter Scott as “that bastard verdict”.  It also … Continue reading →

Posted in Criminal Law, News, Scottish Parliament | Tagged | 2 Comments

Independent Scotland “would have to reapply for Eurovision”

Posted on May 26, 2012

Following another dismal showing from the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest, Lord Graham of Norton, who was also in that Father Ted episode which had them enter “My Lovely Horse” as Ireland’s entry, said Scotland voting to secede … Continue reading →

Posted in Constitutional Law, Just for Fun | Tagged , , | Leave a comment