Author Archives: Iain Nisbet

Devolution in the UK

Posted on September 23, 2014 by Iain Nisbet

I have just sent off my submission to the Commons Select Committee on Political and Constitutional Reform in response to their inquiry on the future of devolution in the United Kingdom, in the light of the referendum result. The Committee’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Constitutional Law, Politics, Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament, Supreme Court | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Nukes in a independent Scotland

Posted on August 10, 2014 by Iain Nisbet

I thought I’d take a look at the draft Independence Bill, and I will try to go through some of the more interesting aspects of it over the next few weeks. I’m starting with the nuclear question. Section 23 of … Continue reading →

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Electoral Maths

Posted on August 7, 2014 by Iain Nisbet

“For more than half of my life, Scotland has been governed by parties we didn’t elect at Westminster..” Alex Salmond Well, it’s been some time since Scotland voted for a single party in significant numbers to say “we” elected them. … Continue reading →

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Corroboration abolition opposed

Posted on January 7, 2014 by Iain Nisbet

Lords Cullen and Hamilton have given separate interviews making public their opposition to the Scottish Government’s proposed abolition of the requirement for corroboration in criminal trials in Scotland. I find it interesting that they gave separate interviews, each one supporting … Continue reading →

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

Scotland’s Future – Absolvitor’s Questions Answered

Posted on November 28, 2013 by Iain Nisbet

I have just finished a cursory scan of the White Paper “Scotland’s Future” which (at long last) answers some of the fundamental questions raised by this website answered: Q590. There will be no change in the constitutional position of the … Continue reading →

Posted in International Law, News, Scottish Government | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Syria, Chemical Weapons and International Law

Posted on August 30, 2013 by Iain Nisbet

After the UK Parliament narrowly voted against possible military intervention in Syria as part of a response to its recent chemical weapon use, I thought I would have a look at what the law says on the issue. So, was … Continue reading →

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

Falkland Islanders “Better Together”

Posted on March 13, 2013 by Iain Nisbet

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 by Iain Nisbet

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 by Iain Nisbet

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 by Iain Nisbet

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