Absolvitor: Scots Law Online

Good news, you can now read my most recent Yell.com blog post on the weighty topic of Scotland’s constitutional future.

It was written in light of the Scottish Government’s new white paper “Your Scotland, Your Voice”, which is in no way a dig at any opposition parties.

The blog post is called “How many referendums does it take to change a constitution?” – which is a clever play on the ol’ “How many [whatever]s does it take to change a lightbulb?” joke. Here are a few of my favourites, feel free to add your own…

• How many politicians does it take to change a lightbulb? – None. They only promise change.
• How many Marxists does it take to change a lightbulb? – None. The seeds of revolution and change are within the lightbulb itself.
• How many psychologists does it take to change a lightbulb? – Just one. But the bulb has to really WANT to change.

Posted on Absolvitor: Scots Law Online.

Good news! You can now read my latest Yell.com blog on the topic of high hedges and nuisance vegetation – which often becomes the cause of neighbour disputes. It is also the natty title of a recent Scottish Government consultation.

The blog is called “The root from which a tyrant springs” which is a play on words because the campaign group Scothedge describe high hedges as a “tyranny”.

The full quote is: This and no other is the root from which a tyrant springs; when he first appears he is a protector. (Plato).

Perhaps I’m trying too hard?

Posted on Absolvitor: Scots Law Online.

First, welcome to my 200th post since Absolvitor became a blawg. Well done me!

Second, you can now read my latest website review for the Journal of the Law Society of Scotland. It’s called “Centres of Attention” and focuses on the websites of new(ish) law centres in Scotland, including:

• Govanhill Law Centre,
• Fife Law Centre,
• Renfrewshire Law Centre, and
• Ethnic Minorities Law Centre.

Posted on Absolvitor: Scots Law Online.

You can now read my latest Yell.com blog regarding the proposed changes by East Renfrewshire Council to the catchment area of St. Ninian’s High School. The blog is titled “School catchment area division“.

Which works on a number of levels, you see…

Posted on Absolvitor: Scots Law Online.

The most recent edition of Chambers UK was launched on 11 November 2009. Chambers is the leading directory of the legal profession.

I am pleased to report that I’m in it! I’m listed under “Other Notable Practitioners” in the Education Law (Individuals) category – Band 3.

According to the guide, “New table entrant Iain Nisbet of Govan Law Centre draws client praise for his understanding and handling of the local authorities.”

Posted on Absolvitor: Scots Law Online.

Good news! You can now read my most recent Yell.com blog post, which is all about Lord McCluskey’s recent views in favour of the legalisation of heroin and other drugs. He calls for heroin to be provided for addicts for free on prescription, thus eliminating the criminal market.

Warning – this blog post is highly addictive.

Posted on Absolvitor: Scots Law Online.

Scotland’s newest law centre, Fife Law Centre, officially opens its doors for business tomorrow, meeting the unmet legal needs of the good people of the Kingdom of Fife.

The launch, in Kirkcaldy, will be attended by Principal Solicitor Afshan Rathore; Elish Angiolini QC the Lord Advocate; and Derek O’Carroll, Advocate.

Posted on Absolvitor: Scots Law Online.

The online version of my website review in October’s Journal is now available. This month includes the websites of the Intellectual Property Office and the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT).

The key fact to remember is that FACT’s own website states, despite all that fuss they make, that “it is not an offence to buy pirated DVDs”.

Website Review (October 2009) “Seeking Protection”.

Posted on Absolvitor: Scots Law Online.

An additional support needs unit at a school on Skye is to be investigated by HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) following complaints from parents, backed by Govan Law Centre.

Allegations include claims that one pupil was forced to do excessive levels of physical exercise, contrary to medical advice and that another was left to soil himself and then changed in a play area that was not designed for this purpose.

Parents of three children attending the unit at Portree High School contacted Govan Law Centre, which notified the Scottish Government through a statutory complaints mechanism. The Scottish Government has asked HMIE to visit the school to investigate the claims.

Solicitor Iain Nisbet felt the nature of the complaints was such that they should be referred to the Scottish Government.

He welcomed the action taken by ministers. “The legislation allows Scottish ministers to investigate and intervene in cases where there has been any breach of education law,”.

“Because we had been approached by a number of parents from the same school, we felt it was appropriate to alert the Scottish Government to these ongoing concerns.

“I am very pleased to see the prompt and effective response of the government and will await the report by HMIE with interest.”

A government spokesperson said: “Ministers have asked HMIE to visit the Portree High School special needs unit following concerns raised through the Govan Law Centre.”

• Claims of neglect trigger inquiry at special needs unit The Herald, 19 Oct 2009;
• Special needs unit to be probed BBC News, 19 Oct 2009.

Posted on Absolvitor: Scots Law Online.