NEWS
Read our latest news including judicial speeches, consultations and consultation responses.
Published speeches reflect the individual judicial office holder's personal views, unless otherwise stated.
New Chair and Vice-Chair of the Judicial Institute
Feb 8, 2023
Lord Beckett has been appointed as Chair of the Judicial Institute, with effect from 6 February.
Judicial Protocol extended to include Northern Ireland
Feb 6, 2023
The Judicial Protocol Regulating Direct Judicial Communications Between Scotland, and England and Wales, in Children’s Cases was first published in July 2018, following on from a series of meetings that took place between members of the Scottish and English judiciaries over 2017- 2018.
Applications sought for office of Sheriff
Jan 23, 2023
The Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland (JABS) is now inviting applications from suitably qualified individuals who wish to be considered for appointment to the office of Sheriff.
Judicial Appointments, Transfers and Retirement
Jan 19, 2023
His Majesty the King, on the recommendation of the First Minister, has made a number of judicial appointments, including the appointment of a new Senator of the College of Justice and three sheriffs principal.
Update to written direction on mutual corroboration
Dec 14, 2022
Practitioners may wish to note that the Jury Manual Committee has agreed an amendment to Part C of the Written Directions (directions which do not apply in all cases but can be used as appropriate).
Preliminary Hearings Bench Book updated
Dec 8, 2022
Practitioners may wish to note that the Preliminary Hearings Bench Book has been updated as of 8 December. The latest update encompasses changes made in light of the justice provisions in the Coronavirus (Recovery and Reform) (Scotland) Act 2022.
Plaque marks historic slavery case at Court of Session
Dec 6, 2022
A historic legal case which found that slavery was “not recognised” in Scots law has been commemorated in a plaque installed at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.
Scottish Civil Justice Council seeks new members
Nov 24, 2022
The Scottish Civil Justice Council (SCJC) is seeking new members.
Sixteen new King's Counsel appointed
Oct 6, 2022
Sixteen new King’s Counsel have been appointed by His Majesty The King on the recommendation of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Opening of the Legal Year 2022
Sep 26, 2022
The Lord President, Lord Carloway, introduced the opening of the legal year today in the first full bench ceremony since the Covid-19 pandemic struck.
Scottish Tribunals Annual Report 2021-22 published
Sep 23, 2022
The Lord President has today published the President of Scottish Tribunals’ fifth Annual Report.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Sep 8, 2022
The Lord President, Lord Carloway, has paid his respect to the Queen,
New sheriffs appointed
Sep 2, 2022
Her Majesty the Queen has appointed eleven new sheriffs to serve the sheriffdoms of Glasgow and Strathkelvin, Grampian, Highland and Islands, North Strathclyde, South Strathclyde, Dumfries and Galloway, and Tayside, Central and Fife.
New Deputy Director now in post at Judicial Institute
Sep 1, 2022
Sheriff Adrian Cottam takes up post as Deputy Director of the Judicial Institute for Scotland from today (1 September).
Event to explain the role of Sheriff Principal
Jul 25, 2022
An event explaining the role of a Sheriff Principal is set to take place next month.
Guidance on proceedings in the Sheriff Court
Jul 20, 2022
The Sheriffs Principal have issued new guidance for court users on proceedings in the Sheriff Courts. The guidance will supersede and replace the guidance which was issued by the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service on 25 April 2022.
New guidance on child welfare hearings in the Sheriff Courts
Jul 13, 2022
Child welfare hearings should call in person in Sheriff Courts, according to new guidance produced by the Sheriffs Principal.
New temporary judges appointed
Jul 12, 2022
To assist with jury trials in the High Court, the following sheriffs have been appointed by the Scottish Ministers to act as temporary judges from 1 August 2022:
