You can now read my latest Yell.com blog post, all about new wheel clamping powers for the Scottish Court Service to assist in collecting unpaid fines. It's called: New wheel clamping powers in Scotland.

If someone were to clamp our car, I'd be delighted as the value of the clamp would be more than that of the car!

Labels: criminal law, Glasgow, Scottish Court Service, Yell.com Solicitors Blog

My new Yell.com solicitors blog post is all about the new HM Prison Low Moss, which is just down the road from where I live.

However, I will confess that in our household, the only prison we take an active interest in is HM Slammer.

Labels: criminal law, Yell.com Solicitors Blog

Yet more developments in the ongoing saga of the "Lockerbie Bomber" Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi are discussed in my Yell.com blog post: Lockerbie release criticised by Justice Committee.

With news of the justice committee's divided censure of the Justice Secretary and Judicial Watch going to court in the USA to get Lockerbie files from the FBI, it's well worth a read.

And here's the link to the Justice Committee Report SP Paper 383: The decision on Abdelbaset al-Megrahi

Labels: criminal law, Freedom of Information, News, Yell.com Solicitors Blog

Don't forget to check out the latest Yell.com blog post called "Miscarriage of justice in Scottish terror case", which concerns the decision of the High Court of Justiciary sitting as an appeal court in the case of Mohammed Atif Siddique v. HM Advocate.

In brief - the appeal court has determined that not only did Lord Carloway incorrectly suggest that Aamer Anwar was guilty of contempt of court for his criticism of the jury's decision, but that he (Lord Carloway) had misdirected the jury as well. So perhaps, Mr. Anwar's criticism had some merit after all?

The case will call again later in February to allow the Crown Office to decide on a possible fresh prosecution, but in the meantime you should feel safe(r) to download the Anarchist Cookbook without fear of prosecution. Just don't try any of the recipes.

Photo courtesy of JK Davidson.

Labels: criminal law, Edinburgh, News, Yell.com Solicitors Blog

The latest Absolvitor offering on the Yell.com solicitors' blog is a piece which asks the question "Are pre-paid card charges legal?".

And before you ask, this is not a variation on the bank charges campaign theme. In fact, this is a more serious, potentially far more sinister issue.

As concerns rise that some pre-paid card firms are targeting poorer areas of Glasgow with their wares, the situation many benefit claimants find themselves in involves card firms skimming off an admin fee for receiving their money and another fee for releasing it through an ATM or similar. The charges vary from card to card, but if social security benefits are meant to be inalienable (which they are) then is it legal to take a cut before the claimant can get at their money?

To put it another way, if it is/was a criminal offence for someone to take your benefit book (even with your permission) receive your social security money, then take a proportion to satisfy a debt before passing the remainder on to you - then why is this okay?

Join the debate at the Govan Law Centre blog.

Labels: Glasgow, Law Centres, Yell.com Solicitors Blog

Don't forget to check out my latest Yell.com blawg post for all the latest developments in the unfolding saga of the minimum class sizes rules.

You can read all about it here: Primary school maths.

Posted on Absolvitor: Scots Law Online.

Labels: Children, Education Law, News, Scottish Government, Yell.com Solicitors Blog

Good news! You can now read my latest Yell.com blog posts by clicking on these links. And jolly interesting reading they make too.

• Innocent until presumed guilty;
• Court threat in election debate row; and
• Flyglobespan's customers not protected ATOL.

In particular, I'd be interested in people's comments on the proposal to allow evidence of previous convictions in criminal trials.

Posted on Absolvitor: Scots Law Online.

Labels: criminal law, Yell.com Solicitors Blog

Good news, you can now read my most recent Yell.com blog post on the implications of the new Legal Services (Scotland) Bill. It's called "The future of legal services in Scotland" and deals with the possibility that banks and supermarkets will become the principal providers of legal services in the not too distant future.

Sounds like fun, no? Quickie divorce with your Cheerios, Sir?

Posted on Absolvitor: Scots Law Online.

Labels: law firms, Scottish Parliament, Yell.com Solicitors Blog

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.

Labels: News, Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament, Yell.com Solicitors Blog

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.

Labels: Scottish Government, Yell.com Solicitors Blog

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.

Labels: Education Law, Glasgow, News, Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament, Yell.com Solicitors Blog

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.

Labels: criminal law, News, Yell.com Solicitors Blog

You can now read my latest Yell.com blog post on Tommy Sheridan's latest day out in court.

I am particularly intrigued by the suggestion that the perjury trial could last upwards of 60 days. A hugely good use of the High Court's time, I'm sure everyone would agree.

Posted on Absolvitor: Scots Law Online.

Labels: criminal law, Defamation, Glasgow, News, Yell.com Solicitors Blog

You can now read my latest Yell.com blog post on EC law and minimum pricing plans for alcohol.

Enjoy (but in moderation)!

Posted on Absolvitor: Scots Law Online.

Labels: European Law, News, Scottish Government, Yell.com Solicitors Blog

I'm now blogging on Yell.com! Exciting, no?

You can read my first post, all about the Gill Review, right here. Enjoy.

Labels: Scottish Court Service, Yell.com Solicitors Blog