Civil courts
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First tier Tribunal for Scotland Local Taxation Chamber (Rules of Procedure and Composition) (Miscellaneous Amendment) Regulations 2026: ICIA
Island communities impact assessment (ICIA) for technical amendments to the Procedure Rules applicable to the Local Taxation Chamber, the purpose of which is to insert reference to the Valuations (Proposals Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 2025.
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Scottish Court Fees 2026-2027 - Equality Impact Assessment
Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) relating to 6 Scottish Statutory Instruments (SSIs) providing for fees in the Scottish civil courts and the Office of the Public Guardian in the years 2026 to 2027.
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Scottish Court Fees 2026-2027 - Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment
Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) relating to 6 Scottish Statutory Instruments (SSIs) providing for fees in the Scottish civil courts in the years 2026 to 2027.
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Scottish Court Fees 2026-2027 - Business Regulatory Impact Assessment
Business Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) relating to 6 Scottish Statutory Instruments (SSIs) providing for fees in the Scottish civil courts in the years 2026 to 2027.
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Cohabitants' rights - changes when their partner dies and leaves no will: consultation - easy read version
Easy read version of family law consultation about cohabitants' rights when one dies and does not leave a will.
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Easier way for some couples to get divorced: consultation - easy read version
Easy read version of family law consultation about making it easier for people to get divorced in Scotland.
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Family law consultation: draft impact assessments
Draft impact assessments to support our consultation on reform of various aspects of family law in Scotland.
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Family law: consultation
We are consulting on the potential reform of various aspects of family law in Scotland.
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Police Appeals Tribunal transfer to Scottish Tribunals structure regulations: final business and regulatory impact assessment
The final business and regulatory impact assessment ("BRIA") for the set of regulations to transfer the Police Appeals Tribunal into the Scottish Tribunal structure.
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Transforming the justice system for victims and witnesses
Landmark Bill passed by Parliament.
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Appointment of King's Counsel in Scotland 2025
Appointment of King's Counsel and Honorary King's Counsel in Scotland 2025.
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Legal aid reform: discussion paper - easy read
Sets out three key strands of work we will undertake in 2025 to 2026 to improve legal aid: simplification of the judicare service delivery model; research on and reform of legal aid fees; engagement with stakeholders to develop a reformed future legal assistance system.
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Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill published
New legislation to support crofters.
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Secure Care Statistics: 2023-24
An Accredited Official Statistics Publication.
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Lord Justice Clerk appointed
Lord Beckett to succeed Lady Dorrian.
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Lord President appointed
Lord Pentland to serve as head of Scotland’s judiciary.
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Judicial Factors (Scotland) Bill passed
Legislation includes measures to simplify the law in missing persons cases.
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Children (Scotland) Act 2020 - section 23(1) and section 24(1): sixth report on Scottish Ministers' duties
Sixth report on the Scottish Ministers' duties under section 23(1) (funding for alternative dispute resolution) and section 24(1)(pilot scheme for mandatory alternative dispute resolution meetings) of the Children (Scotland) Act 2020.
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Building a New Scotland: Justice in an independent Scotland
This paper sets out the Scottish Government's vision for justice in an independent Scotland.
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Building a New Scotland: Justice in an independent Scotland - Easy Read
Easy read version of the Scottish Government's vision for justice in an independent Scotland.
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Tribunals (Scotland) Act 2014 - draft regulations: consultation analysis and response
Analysis and response to consultation regarding draft regulations on transferring certain appeal functions of the Transport Tribunal and allocating new appeal functions relating to bus service improvement partnerships to the Upper Tribunal for Scotland.
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Children (Scotland) Act 2020 - section 23(1) and section 24(1): fifth report on the Scottish Ministers' duties
Fifth report on the Scottish Ministers' duties under section 23(1) (funding for alternative dispute resolution) and section 24(1) (pilot scheme for mandatory alternative dispute resolution meetings) of the Children (Scotland) Act 2020.
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Women's Justice Leadership Panel: report
This report "The Case for Gendered and Intersectional Approaches to Justice" summarises the work of the Women’s Justice Leadership Panel, their thematic discussions, and their key findings. The remit of the Panel was to demonstrate that the experience of women in the justice system is different to men, and to promote consistent understanding of gendered issues.
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Children (Scotland) Act 2020 - section 23(1) and section 24(1): fourth report on the Scottish Ministers' duties
Fourth report on the Scottish Ministers' duties under section 23(1) (funding for alternative dispute resolution) and section 24(1) (pilot scheme for mandatory alternative dispute resolution meetings) of the Children (Scotland) Act 2020.
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Legal services reform
Bill to improve transparency and accountability of legal sector
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Virtual reality helping victims
World-first allows people to better understand courtroom process.
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Independent legal representation for sexual offence victims
Support for victims faced with potential questioning in court about their sexual history.
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Legal Aid £11m package agreed
Funding secures free legal services to those most in need.
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New custodial unit for women
Glasgow centre is aimed at transforming support for women in custody.
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Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Bill passes
New laws will ensure safety for people across Scotland.
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Victims’ consultation launches
Putting people at the heart of the justice system.
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New Bairns’ Hoose appointment
Post will drive improvements for children.
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New vision for justice
Victims placed at the heart of ensuring just, safe, and resilient communities.
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Not proven consultation opens
Views sought on three verdict system and related reforms.
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Death in custody review
Two year review recommends independent body investigates prison deaths.
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New victim support fund announced
Scheme will diversify and broaden support for victims.
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Pledge on children’s rights
Work on landmark legislation will continue.
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Modernising legal services
New system proposed to place consumer interests at its heart.
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Supporting children in the justice system
Improving services for victims and witnesses.
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Backing for staff facing abuse
Wearing of face coverings vital to limit COVID-19 spread.
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Investment to support legal aid traineeships
Cash will strengthen vital sector during COVID recovery.
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Supporting the legal profession
Funding of up to £20 million available for solicitors.
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Hate Crime law reform
Amendments to Bill proposed to safeguard freedom of speech.
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Family court process to be more child friendly
Legislation to put the best interests of children at the heart of cases.
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Emergency marriage and civil partnership guidance
Advice announced as part of second Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill.
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Short-term prisoners considered for early release
Further safeguard for those working and living in prisons amid COVID-19 outbreak.
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Criminal trials during COVID-19 outbreak
Discussion paper published ahead of talks and update to Parliament.
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Ensuring continuity of justice during COVID-19
Emergency powers for release a ‘last resort’.
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Parliament asked to back emergency Coronavirus Bill
New powers outlined for justice, public services and the economy
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Improving digital evidence sharing
Modernising the criminal justice system.
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Civil Justice Statistics in Scotland 2017-18
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Widening access to civil justice
Legislation to expand funding options for civil actions passed.