Category Archives: Just for Fun

Deus ex Lege (W.S. Gilbert and the law)

Posted on July 9, 2015 by Iain Nisbet

As you may know, I am a big fan of the works of Gilbert and Sullivan. I am also a lawyer. Imagine how pleased I was then to discover an academic paper on W.S. Gilbert and both his view of … Continue reading →

Posted in Just for Fun | Tagged | Leave a comment

Voting Systems – a comparison of Eurovision and the Council of the European Union

Posted on May 23, 2015 by Iain Nisbet

Voting in the Eurovision final In all participating countries, the televoting and jury voting result in two ranked lists of all songs; Televoters can vote via the official app, telephone and/or SMS. The voting window opens after the last song … Continue reading →

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

Independent Scotland “would have to reapply for Eurovision”

Posted on May 26, 2012 by Iain Nisbet

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

Strictly Come Legislating

Posted on December 15, 2011 by Iain Nisbet

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

Tarbolton crooner sparks constitutional row

Posted on June 4, 2011 by Iain Nisbet

Jai MacDowall (24) a singer from the village of Tarbolton in Scotland, won Britain’s Got Talent on Saturday night, sparking a constitutional crisis as he did so. The First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond, has warned the UK-wide talent show … Continue reading →

Posted in Constitutional Law, Just for Fun, Scottish Government | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Law sucks!

Posted on May 10, 2011 by Iain Nisbet

In a recent edition of The Lawyer, reporting on Irwin Mitchell‘s plans to float and take on the mid-tier (whatever that means), managing partner John Pickering is quoted as saying: “It’s about deconstruction of the law, like [consultants] Stephen Mayson … Continue reading →

Posted in Just for Fun, News | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Proust on law as a career choice

Posted on May 4, 2011 by Iain Nisbet

“Even in my most desparate moments, I can’t conceive of anything more odious than becoming a lawyer.” Marcel Proust (1987-1922)

Posted in From the Archives, Just for Fun | Leave a comment

Grand Old Duke of York – austerity cuts strike

Posted on February 10, 2011 by Iain Nisbet

Well, it’s been quite a week for me in the newspapers! First the Scotsman, and then (on Wednesday) The Herald’s diary pages, with the following gem. Our story about the Australian newspaper apologising for stating 30,000 pigs were drowned in … Continue reading →

Posted in Just for Fun | Tagged | 1 Comment

Sheridan seeks silk to sack

Posted on January 25, 2011 by Iain Nisbet

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

Scot of the Antarctic

Posted on December 3, 2010 by Iain Nisbet

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