Category Archives: Criminal Law

More Sheridan shenanigans

Posted on February 1, 2012 by

So, Tommy Sheridan has been released from prison after serving one year of a three year sentence.  And thus the well loved politician returns to entertain and agitate. He is to be electronically tagged for the final six months of … Continue reading →

Posted in Criminal Law, Defamation, News | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Strictly Come Legislating

Posted on December 15, 2011 by

New laws giving Scotland’s police and prosecutors the additional tools they have asked for to extract ‘poisonous comments of hatred’ from Scottish ballroom and threats of harm being posted on the internet have been passed by the Scottish Parliament today. … Continue reading →

Posted in Criminal Law, Just for Fun, Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

You are the (Sher)Ref

Posted on June 18, 2011 by

So, I was reading through the draft Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Bill, which seems to be really broad in its attempts to crack down on sectarianism.  I tried to think back to my legislation honours classes … Continue reading →

Posted in Criminal Law, Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament | Tagged , | 15 Comments

As ithers see us …

Posted on June 15, 2011 by

So, Basshunter has been cleared of charges of sexual assault at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court.  Which is fine, but what interested me was the way in which it was reported in some online news media. In particular, I was amused by … Continue reading →

Posted in Criminal Law, News, Scottish Court Service | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Sheridan seeks silk to sack

Posted on January 25, 2011 by

Breaking news (of the world): Tommy Sheridan is searching for a QC to sack publically during his appeal against his conviction for perjury. Friends said the former MSP and Scottish Socialist party leader was spending what he expects to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Criminal Law, Faculty of Advocates, Just for Fun | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Hot air weaponry

Posted on December 10, 2010 by

More marginalia from the Scotland Bill.  Section 11 would give the Scottish Parliament legislative competence in relation to air weapons.  Specifically, it would give Ministers the power to require a licence to use an airgun or even to prohibit them … Continue reading →

Posted in Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, News, Scottish Government | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The end of the End of Life Assistance Bill?

Posted on December 2, 2010 by

First, in the interests of full disclosure, I am a Christian and that inevitably influences my views on the following.  There is a comments section below where you can post any measured response you may have on this issue… Margo … Continue reading →

Posted in Criminal Law, News, Scottish Parliament | Tagged , | 1 Comment

As much as possible

Posted on November 17, 2010 by

During the last Holyrood elections, my colleague and I paid a visit to a candidate, who is now in a position of some responsibility and influence.  We asked the candidate what his/her position was on law centres.  The answer was: … Continue reading →

Posted in Criminal Law, Law Centres, Legal Aid, News, Scottish Court Service, Scottish Government | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The Left Wing

Posted on November 12, 2010 by

It’s been a while since I blogged on Tommy Sheridan’s perjury trial.  However it occurred to me that one of the consequences of representing himself was that it brought him face to face with his accusers.  This obviously paid dividends … Continue reading →

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Tommy Sheridan, the story so far …

Posted on October 21, 2010 by

In case you haven’t been following the Sheridan case closely, here is a summary of the evidence so far… Sundry Witness: “You are a liar.” Sheridan: “No, you are.” Sundry Witness: “No, you’re a liar for saying I’m a liar.” … Continue reading →

Posted in Criminal Law, Defamation, News | Tagged , , | 1 Comment