We have rely on conventions and unwritten rules every day and a variety of situations.
But our over-reliance on them in the Legal and Political space has left us weak when facing-off against those whose whole drive is to ignore and upend them.
We must be bolder in protecting our liberal democracies from those who threaten them. Continue reading 2025.3 – A New Norm-al
The Coronavirus (Scotland) (No.2) Act 2020 (‘The Act’) provides that, in certain circumstances, a Student may bring their tenancy to an end. [Sch. 1; Part 1]. I wanted to provide a quick and easy guide for people that may be affected by this. Continue reading Ending Scottish Student Rentals under ‘Rona
…or why Human Rights are always Human Rights. It is often said that it is in times of crisis that we show our true selves. The selfish care for themselves first, while the caring going about looking after the most vulnerable. During the lock-down period, we’ve seen that, both in our local communities and at the national scale. Take the Scottish and UK governments, for … Continue reading Of Landlords and lawLords
…or why reading the interpretation section is always important.
I haven’t blogged (yet) about the Scottish Labour Leadership Race. I probably won’t (until it’s over anyway) – though I did go on a short twitter rant last week about how dreadful the race had been up to that point. It ended with a call for both candidates to improve themselves and their campaigns, and noted that Anas Sarwar had, just that day, released his tax plan, which is the substance that the campaign had long been lacking. Continue reading “On Taxes and Turmoil…”
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.”
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…”
…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”
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.
The LBTT Surcharge for 2nd Homes comes in on 1st April 2016…but what effect has it had before then? Continue reading Tax can be Taxing…
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
Paul Cruikshank 