Dispute Resolution News

Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act 2015

This high profile legislation which was passed in October 2015 fully came into effect on 31st May 2016.  

Any offence of forced labour or keeping persons in servitude as well as human trafficking can now be penalised by way of substantial custodial sentences including life imprisonment. Read more

Missing - Presumed Alive?

Ever since the high profile case of John Darwin faking his own death in an apparent canoeing accident, the issue of proof of death has been brought more sharply into focus, particularly regarding life assurance payments. Read more

Are your Employees Adequately Protected?

In the case of Kennedy –v- Cordia (Services) LLP, the Supreme Court reached a unanimous decision that an employer who failed to provide a home care worker with anti-slip footwear, was in breach of the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (the PPE Regulations). Read more

The Crown and the Glasgow Bin Lorry Crash

It was Monday 22nd December 2014 and Glasgow city was busy with Christmas shoppers when tragedy struck. Without warning a bin lorry went out of control in Queen Street, struck pedestrians and crashed into the Millennium Hotel. Six people were killed and a number. Read more

Good News for the Consumer ?

The Consumer Rights Acts 2015 came into force on 1st October 2015 and replaced a considerable part of the Sale of Goods Act 1979.   This new Act covers all purchases of goods and services including electronic data in digital form. Read more

Death Knell for "A vital safeguard in Scottish Law"

Section 57 of the proposed Criminal Justice Bill 2014 provides for the abolition of corroboration in Scottish Criminal Law.  

On 27th February 2014, the reality of this prospect moved one step closer following the stage one vote of 64-61 in favour of the proposal. Read more

Important Health & Safety Changes - October 2013

The Impact of the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013
Before this Bill was introduced, David Cameron made a plea for common sense to prevail in the Health & Safety framework and an end to the compensation culture which he perceived was sweeping through the United Kingdom. Read more

New Personal Injury Rules – September 2012

Whilst Personal Injury Rules have operated successfully in both the Court of Session and Sheriff Court for several years for higher value claims, new rules have been introduced affecting personal injury claims with a value of less than £5,000 with effect from 1 September 2012. Read more

The Cost of Letting the Bed-Bugs Bite

A Hotel in the US has been sued for more than $160,000 by two women who claim that they suffered significant bed bug bites whilst staying there with their family. Read more

What’s that got to do with the Price of Fish?

Clarke v Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd [2012] NSWDC 107

An Australian man has been awarded more than AUS $50,000 after being wrongly accused of stealing 500g of prawns by a supermarket manager. Read more