First all-female appeal bench sits
30 May 08
Three women senators hear interdict appeal in trade name dispute
A legal milestone was passed in the Court of Session yesterday when the first ever all-female appeal bench sat in the Extra Division.
Lady Paton, Lady Smith and Lady Dorrian comprised the court hearing an appeal against the refusal by Lord Matthews to recall an interim interdict. The order was granted in a passing-off dispute between two companies.
Opening the appeal, Roy Martin QC said it was a privilege to do so in such historic circumstances.
There are currently four women on the Court of Session bench - Lady Clark of Calton is the fourth.
The hearing continues today.