Category Archives: Scottish Parliament

Begone bastard!

Posted on July 1, 2012 by

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

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

Supreme Court rejects AXA appeal

Posted on October 12, 2011 by

The Supreme Court has handed down its judgement in the case of AXA Insurance v. Lord Advocate, in which insurance giants and bad losers AXA sought to strike down the Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) (Scotland) Act 2009 on the basis that … Continue reading →

Posted in Human Rights, News, Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament, Supreme Court | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

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

Manifestos on civil justice etc.

Posted on April 7, 2011 by

As you will no doubt be aware, the campaign for the 2011 Scottish Parliamentary election is now underway.  As far as I can see, not all of the manifestos have been launched yet, but I thought I start with those … Continue reading →

Posted in Freedom of Information, Politics, Legal Aid, Privacy, Scottish Parliament | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Scot of the Antarctic (Part 2)

Posted on January 5, 2011 by

So, I received a nice letter from the Scotland Office, in response to the question posed by visitor to this site, Tim Macdonald.  His question was: Why is this necessary given section 29(2)(a) of the Scotland Act 1998? That is, … Continue reading →

Posted in Constitutional Law, Scottish Parliament | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Scot of the Antarctic

Posted on December 3, 2010 by

There has been much commentary this week on the new Scotland Bill.  Many have concentrated on the new tax raising arrangements and new legislative competences proposed for the Scottish Parliament.  But it’s not all one way traffic… I wish to … Continue reading →

Posted in Just for Fun, Scottish Parliament | Tagged , | 11 Comments

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

Alcohol restrictions at Highland League clubs

Posted on May 25, 2010 by

New Scottish Highland Football League clubs are to be designated in law, imposing restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol. Continue reading →

Posted in Criminal Law, News, Scottish Parliament, Sports Law | Leave a comment

Scottish Legal Complaints Commission: levy under attack

Posted on April 19, 2010 by

“ While some eyebrows may be raised at a publicly funded body generating [a £1.5 Million] surplus in its first year of operation, the Government cannot be allowed to interfere with its internal decisions. The [Scottish Legal Complaints Commission] is … Continue reading →

Posted in Law Firms, News, Scottish Parliament, Yell.com Solicitors Blog | Leave a comment