News and Responses

Devils welcomed to the Faculty

FIFTEEN new members have been admitted to the Faculty of Advocates in a socially-distanced calling ceremony.

Excellence is a prerequisite to success for the latest devils

Last week saw the latest group of devils (trainee advocates) called to the Bar in Scotland. This marks their entry into a public office (that of advocate) that demands they deliver ongoing excellence as they engage in providing access to justice.

Faculty member appointed to SCCRC

Jacqueline Fordyce has been appointed as a member of the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission.

Faculty welcomes the nominations for Lord Advocate and Solicitor General

The Faculty of Advocates has welcomed the nominations of Dorothy Bain QC as Scotland’s next Lord Advocate and Ruth Charteris QC as the next Solicitor General.

Scottish poets in the spotlight at justice conference

Best-selling Scottish crime writer Val MacDermid and Scottish poet and spoken word artist Stephen Watt were among those who read extracts from the Saughton Sonnets at the National Youth Justice Conference today.

Faculty appoints new directors

Two new directors appointed by the Faculty will continue to build on its ongoing commitment to developing and maintaining quality advocacy standards among its members.

No case for immunity from judicial review

The supreme authority in the United Kingdom is the rule of law and its application is administered through a balance of the three branches of government and not through attempts by one branch to curb or blunt the role of the others.

Government Response to the Independent Review of Administrative Law - response from the Faculty

Why the default position should be in-person court hearings

When lockdowns were first imposed in Scotland, the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Services – despite what might fairly be said to be years of under-funding – moved swiftly to build on the existing technology infrastructure and put processes in place so the justice system could continue operating.

Reclaim your lunch break and recharge during Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from 10 – 16 May, is an opportunity for everyone to reassess their stress levels and take steps to address any concerns they may be experiencing.