Supreme Court Rules on Cadder Case, Not All Good News
26th October 2010
Today the UK Supreme Court pronounced an extremely important judgment with profound implications for Scots criminal law. The case is Cadder —v— Her Majesty’s Advocate, an appeal against conviction based on an argument that Scots police procedure breached his human rights, particularly Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights, the right to a fair trial.
(Technically, Cadder is an appeal against the High Court's refusal of leave to appeal, which was in turn based on another case, McLean —v— Her Majesty’s Advocate; for the full judgment please click this link.)
On 13 May 2007 Peter ...
Law Clinic Makes National Press
25th October 2010
Please click here to link to Evening Times article.
Law Wise Law Clinic Launch, 15 October
20th October 2010
Renfrewshire Law Centre and the University of the West of Scotland co-hosted a public reception to launch the new University Law Clinic, ‘Law Wise’, on Friday, 15 October in Brough Hall on UWS's Paisley Campus. UWS has four campuses at Paisley, Hamilton, Ayr and Dumfries, making it the nation's largest new university. The event was a huge success for both institutions, recognising their closer working relationship and the value of their joint Law Clinic. Over 80 delegates attended, representing the local community, the student body, the legal profession, the Law Society, the Faculty of Advocates, the Legal Aid ...
RLC Official Patron Announced
19th October 2010
Renfrewshire Law Centre is extremely pleased to announce the appointment of Seaumus McDaid as our Official Patron. Professor McDaid is Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of the West of Scotland, and was appointed as our Official Patron at our AGM on 15 October 2010. His appointment was publicly announced at the Launch of the UWS Law Clinic, 'Law Wise', a joint venture between these two institutions.
This is an honourary office recognising the contribution made by UWS to the advancement of legal education in the local community. The Law Centre is particularly appreciative of the support given by ...
Law Centre's New Board of Directors
19th October 2010
This year's AGM saw a number of changes to Renfrewshire Law Centre's Board of Directors, including new appointments to the offices of Chair and Teasurer, and two entirely new appointments as Ordinary Directors. The new Board is as follows:—
Office Bearers
- Chair, Elizabeth McIntosh (Renfrew Town Seniors' Forum)
- Secretary, Susan Sludden (Law Wise)
- Treasurer, Margaret Dymond (Maxwellton Tenants' Association)
Ordinary Directors
- Briony Cullin (Law Wise)
- Eric Graham (Williamsburgh Property Services)
- Bill Perrie (Retired Police Officers' Association)
- Dale McFadzean (UWS)
- Shirley McLean (Glenburn Tenants' & Residents' Association)
For personal profiles please click here. No applications for renewal of appointment as ...
RLC Annual Report 2010 Now Online
19th October 2010
The latest Annual Report for Renfrewshire Law Centre is now online. Please click here to download a copy.
Equality Act Becomes Law
8th October 2010
The Equality Act 2010 came into force on 1 October 2010. This important statute codifies British anti-discrimination law, e.g. the Equal Pay Act 1970, the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, the Race Relations Act 1976, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003, the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003, and the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 (it replaces these previous laws).
Receiving comparison with the American Civil Rights Act 1964 and the EU Equal Treatment Directives (which it effectively brings into force in the UK), the Act requires equal treatment in employment and services ...
Law Clinic Training
7th October 2010
After months of planning, Renfrewshire's first ever University Law Clinic is now a reality, with the first crop of 12 students beginning their training on 29 September. The Law Clinic, known as 'Law Wise', will complement the existing range of public advice services available in Renfrewshire. Student participants come from the University of the West of Scotland's BA Law course, and already possess at least two years academic tuition in this discipline. Their experience at the clinic will enhance their existing knowledge and skills by providing practical training in a real-life context under professional supervision from UWS and ...
New Law on Private Landlords
6th October 2010
New legislation under discussion at the Scottish Parliament proposes reform to the system for registering private landlords.
Alex Neil MSP, Housing and Communities Minister, spoke of the Private Rented Housing (Scotland) Bill, commenting that, "Good, lawful landlords have nothing to fear from this bill. This government wants to encourage a vibrant and responsive Scottish private rented sector, which provides good quality and well-managed accommodation.
"I see the private rented sector as more important than ever in providing good quality accommodation given the economic challenges that face the public sector.
"The bill sends a clear message to bad and unlawful landlords ...
Law Centre Membership & Directors
4th October 2010
Renfrewshire Law Centre is seeking new members and also wishes to invite applications for appointment to its Board of Directors.
Members will receive law centre news and may take part in law centre activities, including training events.
Members may join on completion of the appropriate membership form with payment of £1.
Those wishing to apply for appointment to the Board of Directors should arrange completion of the appropriate nomination form.
Directors are unpaid and sit on the Board of Directors, which convenes every six weeks or thereabouts.
Membership and appointment to the Board of Directors are open to local organisations ...