The Next Stage of Street Law.

This weekend, the 5th (unofficially) bi-annual Street Law training Session took place in the HQ of the Law Society of Scotland’s headquarters in Edinburgh. It’s the first one in a year-and-a-half I haven’t been involved in, which saddens me a bit.

Street Law is now firmly implanted as part of LSoS’s Legal Education programme – which is fantastic news. Street Law is not ‘teaching law’ the way the LL.B or Diploma means it. The aim of Street Law is to make those most likely to come into contact with the law (who are, by the way, the demographic groups least likely to study law) more aware of the rules and their rights in those situations. Continue reading “The Next Stage of Street Law.”

A Love Letter to the European Right…

With Europe taking beating after beating, and Theresa May seemingly wanting to make #GE2020 a fight over the ECHR and the scrapping of its partner, Human Rights are in need of some love. I am and will always be, one of the many giving it to them. We, as whatever nation, should be hearing EHCR protects the our fundamental individual rights, but also helps us ensure our government works as it should. Continue reading “A Love Letter to the European Right…”

Successful Sexy Succession

…or giving un-sexy law some much needed attention.


At the start of the 5th Scottish Parliament, there is an air of a new start for the 9-year-old SNP administration. Reforming the Scottish Education system (with an increase in the school age being suggested by some) and re-shaping the NHS in Scotland with mental health provision becoming a more integral part of the service. These are big, important policy areas. They graces pages and pages of the various parties’ manifestos over the Spring. They are sexy law. Continue reading “Successful Sexy Succession”

Where's the SLAP picture? With the SLAB funding.

#DefendLegalAid

I have spoken a few times before about how important I know Legal Aid is to people. I have no intention, at the moment, to retread that ground.

I have spoken also, about the cuts made to tLegal Aid and how much more difficult it will make Access to Justice for those mos tin need of it.

That’s why today, I’m very proud that the Law Society of Scotland has launched its #DefendLegalAid campaign.

Continue reading “#DefendLegalAid”

State Aid for Private Prosecution

The Glasgow Bin Lorry case continued to march on this week as Michael Matheson, the Scottish Justice Secretary, announced that Legal Aid would be provided for the families seeking to bring a private prosecution against the driver, Harry Clarke. I don’t think the private prosecution will succeed, but I don’t want to swell on the merits of the action itself here. I want to look … Continue reading State Aid for Private Prosecution

A Scot on SCOTUS…

…or what may or may not happen and what happens when and if it does. Antonin Scalia, the most senior Associate Justice on the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS), died this week aged 79. This means two important things: There is now a seat on the most important Judicial Bench in the world; and The Judiciary is now a live issue in the US … Continue reading A Scot on SCOTUS…

Merry Fresh Annum…

…or a Happy New Year and doing something different, without knowing exactly what it is.   Firstly, Happy New Year. Secondly, I now have a new laptop which doesn’t overheat within the hour and force a shut-down, so I hope to pick-up the blogging here now, with a few new case notes coming shortly. I cannot fully express how irritating limited blogging-access was during the Carmichael … Continue reading Merry Fresh Annum…

Labour Party Leadership Election 2015

I’ve finally decided how I will be voting in the Labour Leadership contests today. I’ve detailed my votes below. Obviously my #ShankyForLeader campaign has not been as successful as I had hoped, but I wish my fellow candidates the best of luck in their campaigns. Leader of the Labour Party 1. Yvette Cooper 2. Andy Burnham 3. Liz Kendall No Preference: Jeremy Corbyn Deputy Leader of the Labour Party … Continue reading Labour Party Leadership Election 2015

Head in the Game…

…or Heart on the sleeve. “Tony Blair (and Gordon Brown) were the most important left-wing politicians in the UK since the 70’s. Discuss”. Over my lifetime, I have experienced, in a very real sense two different kinds of UK government. Both have affected real social change across the country, but only one has done it in a way I like. But for some, this wasn’t enough. This … Continue reading Head in the Game…