21 Jan 12
Put it to the panel
How should the profession respond to the current moves by mortgage lenders?
11 Jan 12
Referendum: clearing the fog
Westminster should show it has charge, without calling all the shots
31 Dec 11
Practising what we preach
My wish for 2012: that solicitors practise greater mutual respect in line with the profession's core values
11 Dec 11
Respect agenda
SHRC recognises sensitivities of same-sex marriage debate
4 Dec 11
Boardroom pay battle
Public interest requires facing up to the challenge to find a control
18 Nov 11
Knocking out a pillar
Can we challenge the Carloway approach?
11 Nov 11
Doing good for pro bono
Time to get back to the real message
30 Oct 11
To jail or not to jail?
Arguments about effective sentencing come round again
21 Oct 11
Reality of Death Row
Amicus event exposes inadequacies of capital cases
17 Oct 11
What’s in it for you?
Journal editorial, October 2011
16 Oct 11
Power lines
Supreme Court defines the respective limits of authority
9 Oct 11
Sectarianism bill
Justice Committee performing role?
30 Sep 11
The illusion of speed
Minister's "legal" reason for raising the limit is dangerous
24 Sep 11
Peace reigns
But member engagement at SGM low as a result
19 Sep 11
Leaner and fitter (2)
Journal editorial, September 2011
16 Sep 11
Appealing approach
Are we too suspicious of the McCluskey "certification" proposal?
9 Sep 11
Leaner and fitter
New look magazine set to make an impact
27 Aug 11
Living on the digital economy
Society's IP debate highlights attitude problem to rights protection
19 Aug 11
Go to jail
Riot cases highlight the problems in "cracking down"
5 Aug 11
Red letter day for legal aid
Government concession shows strength of united profession
25 Jul 11
A two tier PCC?
Can a single body do all that is required?
8 Jul 11
The corruption of power
The real problem with the News of the World is that it managed to stay above the law for so long
3 Jul 11
Food for further thought
McCluskey interim report useful, but more work to be done
23 Jun 11
Seen to be doing something
A constructive way forward for the anti-sectarianism bill?
16 Jun 11
Salmond brings unity
Rare joint statement by President and Dean shows importance of issue
10 Jun 11
Independence vote: one is enough
Second poll would have high risk of indecisive outcome
2 Jun 11
Judges and politicians
Scottish ministers have surely overstepped the mark this time
27 May 11
What sort of legal independence?
Criminal cases and the Supreme Court
20 May 11
The challenge of open government
Law officer appointments are not the real test of accountability
13 May 11
Defining privacy
Article 8 or Article 10: that is the question
6 May 11
Shock of the new
One election result that is going to make life a whole lot more interesting, not least for legal observers
29 Apr 11
Something worth voting for
The Holyrood election hasn't caught fire, but the AV poll is crucial
22 Apr 11
The price of rights
Do individuals' remedies have to be put on hold pending court challenges to legislation?
14 Apr 11
Messages for an audience
Panelists at Society's hustings manage to connect with reality (most of the time)
7 Apr 11
In search of a constitution
What does counsel's opinion mean for the talks in progress?
3 Apr 11
Southern perspective
Hope lecture sheds light on working of Supreme Court
25 Mar 11
Not quite square one
Outcome of constitution debate suggests room to move forward
18 Mar 11
Glasgow v The Rest?
What might the GBA achieve with different representative bodies?
10 Mar 11
Handbags at dawn
Row over phone call shouldn't disrupt the serious business of fair legal aid shares
3 Mar 11
Levels of debate
Here's hoping that discussion of the proposed constitution will be less bitter than some recent arguments
24 Feb 11
Safeguarding the constitution
Do we need a constitution watchdog to protect us from Government whims?
17 Feb 11
Employment survey: answers and questions
Journal's first exercise throws up some interesting figures, but conclusions are more difficult
10 Feb 11
The judges over our shoulders
Do we need to limit the field of review by the Supreme Court over acts in name of the Lord Advocate?
4 Feb 11
Getting value from payback
The new community-based disposals have the potential to make a difference, if properly devised and supported
27 Jan 11
Up with the tweeters
The courts' challenge in keeping pace with digital information
21 Jan 11
Manifesto hits the headlines
Much support for better education in the law, but how to achieve it?
14 Jan 11
Child maintenance: here we go again?
New consultation begs the question of how much of a system we need
7 Jan 11
Hold tight for 2011
Looks like a bumpy ride, but hopefully not all bad
24 Dec 10
When the going gets tough
Keeping going in this month's weather sort of sums up the year
17 Dec 10
Supreme Court proves its worth
Another human rights decision shows the court's ability to see the bigger picture
10 Dec 10
Rights: the new frontier
Can we release the "untapped potential" of the Convention?
3 Dec 10
Assisted death for Margo's bill
Debate raises questions of whether law can be made to work
26 Nov 10
Council confidential
Outcomes from the leak saga
19 Nov 10
Hard questions
Various topics this week call for a careful look before decisions are made
12 Nov 10
Trampled by the black horse
Are the Lloyds conveyancing panel cuts really in anyone's best interests, even theirs?
5 Nov 10
Rights, but not as we know them
Committee on Patient Rights Bill raises questions as to the purpose of legislation
27 Oct 10
Undermined, or strengthened?
Is Scots law losing out because of the devolution settlement?
22 Oct 10
The half-baked doughnuts saga
The real questions for discussion over the Access to Justice Committee's SLAB plan?
15 Oct 10
The joke's over
Time to bring a dose of realism to health and safety issues
8 Oct 10
The bill in retrospect
Don't lose sight of the bigger picture
1 Oct 10
Home reports: questions remain
There seems to be more to the initial evaluation than the Government press release suggests
23 Sep 10
Standing up for democracy
A defence to some recent accusations
10 Sep 10
Time to address E&T funding
Pressures to contribute will grow
3 Sep 10
Opening up justice
Committee's ambitious plans deserve support
26 Aug 10
Cold comfort
Telephone cold calls are the latest business practice to come under the spotlight. Should we ban them?
20 Aug 10
The way the money goes
How far can Government pursue intelligent savings, rather than just cuts and more cuts?
5 Aug 10
ARTL: taking a stand
Are solicitors justified in resisting the pressure to automate?
1 Aug 10
Let the members have their say
Constitution changes need to protect rights
22 Jul 10
The great constitution turnoff?
Even recent events have not prompted many responses to the consultation
8 Jul 10
A stitch in time
Could earlier discussions on police interviews not have saved a lot of hassle?
2 Jul 10
What did you do in the hols? - We talked
Lengthy agenda for Society and Government before bill finalised
25 Jun 10
Useful exchanges at judicial appointments seminar
Interested audience - but gender balance as before
17 Jun 10
Committee keeping us guessing
Justice Committee sitting this week leaves key issues unresolved
10 Jun 10
MSPs going for wider view
First stage 2 debate suggests bill will be permissive
4 Jun 10
Pro bono needs a conversion of hearts
Proposal for compulsion likely to be counterproductive
28 May 10
Cards on the table
Time to put the ball in the Parliament's court
20 May 10
High noon in Grosvenor Street
Views are polarising again ahead of the AGM
13 May 10
Practising the new politics
Government is about getting your hands dirty
9 May 10
Exercising choice
What does the "no" lobby in the referendum seek to achieve?
29 Apr 10
Proceed with caution
Final shape of Legal Services Bill still up for negotiation
22 Apr 10
No choice but to keep trying
SGM vote only shows need to keep searching for solution
15 Apr 10
Ah, the artist in us
"Is law a creative profession?" posts make good reading
8 Apr 10
It's good to talk
Result means only way forward on ABS is to find common ground
2 Apr 10
Hopes and fears on ABS
Is it taking the plunge or jumping off a cliff?
25 Mar 10
All quiet on the western front?
SGM adjourns for talks: could we see consensus yet?
19 Mar 10
Decision time approaches
Journal Online's referendum page will be forum for all sides
11 Mar 10
Independence in context
Some questions to consider in relation to section 92 of the Legal Services (Scotland) Bill
4 Mar 10
Time to keep feet on the ground
Debate on professional independence has to be based on actuality
25 Feb 10
Justice wanting
Is there a role for a JUSTICE-type organisation in Scotland?
15 Feb 10
Fighting their corner
Is the Faculty of Advocates missing the point in its response to the Thomson review?
11 Feb 10
Rule of law wins in the end
Public interest trumps government relations in Mohamed case
5 Feb 10
Celebrating five years' FoI
Well attended Parliament event marks information revolution
28 Jan 10
Waking up to ABS
Journal only trying to carry the debate, as always, despite SLAS comments
22 Jan 10
Digging the heels in
Is the Faculty's response to Gill just a predictable rearguard action?
15 Jan 10
Goodwill rules in FoI review
Commissioner's round table reveals differences of emphasis, but commitment to principle
8 Jan 10
Equal chances
Don't be misled by the judicial appointments figures
2 Jan 10
Looking for better things
2010 will be a long haul, but let's have a proper debate over how to improve
24 Dec 09
A darker shade of white
Fond memories of the past don't mean we can recreate them today
17 Dec 09
Committee starts from first principles
Stage 1 hearings on Legal Services Bill taking nothing for granted
9 Dec 09
Two into one can't go?
Can the Society continue with its dual role?
3 Dec 09
Still as controversial
One year on, home reports have still to sell themselves to most Scottish solicitors
26 Nov 09
What price health?
Will we ever know if setting a minimum price for alcohol would be legal?
19 Nov 09
Abolishing sin
What is the point of legislation to impose aspirations and targets on government?
12 Nov 09
Flavour of the month
Everyone seems to be talking pro bono, and we should welcome that
6 Nov 09
The politics of advice
Advice should be public, and advisers should be given some leeway, on matters of public interest
30 Oct 09
Raising the level of the playing field
Legal Services Bill could mean extra rules for all
23 Oct 09
Any fears over free speech?
BNP appearance on "Question Time" is no threat to public order
15 Oct 09
Confidence in our judges
Judicial Appointments Board report shows the challenge of squaring the circle
9 Oct 09
Hedging its bets
Government prolonging the wait for action on high hedges
1 Oct 09
Squaring the circle
Civil courts review is bold attempt to bring improvements
24 Sep 09
Dying for some guidance
Why should Scotland not have guidelines on assisted suicide too?
17 Sep 09
Fatal errors
First jail term for careless driving causing death suggests law being applied sensibly
10 Sep 09
Rights above board
Human rights issues deserve a properly informed debate
4 Sep 09
Another round
How do we make the new licensng laws work if no one knows what they are?
28 Aug 09
Bonuses within bounds
Regulation is likely to be more workable than taxation
20 Aug 09
Compassion with dignity
Justice Secretary gives good account of himself with Lockerbie decision
14 Aug 09
Megrahi: decision time
Abandoning of appeal opens way for system to show a humane face
7 Aug 09
Giving up the paper round
Research into lawyers' means of communication should throw up some interesting findings
31 Jul 09
Assisting assisted suicide
The Purdy appeal decision may help bring reform, but does not require legal change
23 Jul 09
Access advantage?
Recession pressures could make it more likely that those with the right connections win through
3 Jul 09
The Parliament: a real difference
In its first 10 years, the Scottish Parliament has made a huge impact on Scots law
26 Jun 09
Climate change: kicking and screaming
Irrespective of global warming, are the measures in the Climate Change Bill not desirable in themselves?
16 Jun 09
Devolution: into the next decade
Calman report is material for serous debate
12 Jun 09
The purpose of prison
Retiring Chief Inspector's report contains some home truths
5 Jun 09
Tackle prejudice in all its forms
We need to dispel the confusion that two-tier justice is being created by "hate crime" laws
29 May 09
Transparency at work
Society wins the budget vote, but has to promise clearer figures
26 May 09
Heads and hearts
We all like to pay less, but do the arguments for the Flint motion stand up?
21 May 09
Rights across the board
The contrasting human rights issues in the news this week should make us reflect
15 May 09
Regulation, a blessing in disguise
After this week's news, no one should doubt the value of close supervision
11 May 09
Class event
60th anniversary conference lived up to its billing
3 May 09
A week to remember
This coming week sees the climax of the Society's 60th anniversary year
23 Apr 09
Painting by numbers
Budget picture is not a pretty one, and seems to lack a sense of strategy
20 Apr 09
The limits of review
Criminal Cases Review Commissions were never intended to turn back the centuries
17 Apr 09
Up the down escalator
"Access to the professions" research needs to look at all the angles
10 Apr 09
Legal aid - at a price
Extended civil eligibility is no giveaway
3 Apr 09
Talking up the market?
How much of a revival in housing can we expect to see?
26 Mar 09
Fine tuning
Inspectorate's report on fiscal fines answers some but not all questions
19 Mar 09
Shutting the stable door
Proposed financial services supervision is partial restoration of common sense
12 Mar 09
Choosing the ground
Any review of solicitor advocates and rights of audience has to be seen to be impartial
6 Mar 09
Plenty of meat in this one
Criminal Justice and Licensing Bill gives Holyrood something to chew over
2 Mar 09
Claiming from the needy
How much should the Government be able to reclaim when benefit errors are made?
23 Feb 09
The price of extended rights
Solicitor advocates right to support call for review
13 Feb 09
Free speech needs consistency
Why ban Geert Wilders when his film is still being screened?
9 Feb 09
Judicious language
Sheriff's reported remarks would have been good test for new law
30 Jan 09
Time to move on
Debate about business models should be "how" rather than "whether"
22 Jan 09
"Double jeopardy" looks safe for now
Despite the fuss, the ancient principle has plenty of life
16 Jan 09
Another step forward with the new chief
Lorna Jack appointment should help break down barriers
8 Jan 09
This paper could have the right mix
Bureaucracy under control in regulation proposals
2 Jan 09
Time for positive thoughts
Welcome to a year with more to keep us guessing than most
24 Dec 08
Crunch turns the tables
No recovery until lenders get their act together
19 Dec 08
Can we legislate to keep people out of jail?
How far can the Scottish Government go beyond what is already the law?
11 Dec 08
Quiet life at 60
UN Declaration anniversary has been surprisingly low key
5 Dec 08
Trust thy neighbour
What will be the safeguards against abuse of the relaxed planning regime for domestic alterations?
29 Nov 08
Not all gloom on the high street
Conference hears of ways to create opportunities in recession
20 Nov 08
Offers over: the devil we know
Would it be a good thing if home reports saw their demise?
11 Nov 08
Be reserved with reserved powers
Governments should look beyond strict powers in making devolution work
7 Nov 08
Smoking out an overreaction
Is it right - and legal - to ban smokers from adopting or fostering young children?
6 Nov 08
Obama and the rule of law
Will the new President prove more sensitive to human rights and international obligations?
31 Oct 08
How far CPD?
Education and training consultation will propose how to improve quality
22 Oct 08
Sauce for the gander?
What is the consumer view of a ban on commercial medical practices?
16 Oct 08
Surveillance without frontiers?
Phone and email database proposals surely go too far
9 Oct 08
Votes in it?
Surely no advantage in electing our prosecutors
4 Oct 08
Off-licence: off limits?
Barring off-licence sales to under-21s: is there a better way?
3 Oct 08
Welcome
Introducing the Journal editor's blog