News
18 May, 2021
Ampersand Advocates launches ambitious electronic instruction pilot to improve experience of instructing counsel
As we emerge from restrictions and start looking towards post-pandemic ways of working, Ampersand has launched an ambitious pilot to instruct our advocates and alternative dispute practitioners electronically. In March 2020, electronic instructions became the norm, whenever possible. More than a year later, this way of working has continued. To improve the experience for all, […]
13 April, 2021
Court rules that definition of Woman in the GRPB Act should include transwomen
In the Petition for Judicial Review of For Women Scotland of the definition of “Woman” contained in the Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Act 2018 ‘GRPB Act’, Lady Wise has found that the Scottish Government acted lawfully in including transwomen in the GRPB Act. For Women Scotland challenged the legality of the GRPB Act amid concerns […]
5 April, 2021
Decree of absolvitor for Forth Valley Health Board upheld by the Inner House
Ampersand’s Una Doherty Q.C. acted for the defenders and reclaimers in the action Jennifer McCulloch and others v Forth Valley Health Board [2021] CSIH 21. On 1 April 2021, the Second Division of the Inner House refused the pursuers’ reclaiming motion and allowed the defenders’ cross-appeal. Pursuers’ grounds of appeal The pursuers had reclaimed certain […]
25 March, 2021
Success in challenge to COVID-19 regulations closing all churches for congregational worship and private prayer
Lord Braid has upheld the Court of Session challenge by representatives of several churches that the COVID-19 regulations closing all churches for congregational worship and private prayer were a disproportionate interference with the fundamental right to religious freedom and so breached the human rights of the petitioners and others as well as their constitutional rights. As […]
19 March, 2021
High Court full bench finds nobile officium petition by rape complainer competent
The High Court of Justiciary has determined that a nobile officium petition made by a complainer in a rape case after she was not notified of an application by the accused to lead evidence of their sexual history is competent under the doctrine. The petitioner, RR, is the complainer in criminal proceedings in which the […]
15 March, 2021
Ampersand silk speaking at International webinar by Commonwealth Lawyers Association
Lauren Sutherland QC is honoured to be presenting at the Webinar arranged by the Commonwealth Lawyers Association on “Rationing Healthcare in Times of a Global Pandemic”. The event is taking place on 16th March at noon GMT and will be broadcast live on YouTube. Many Commonwealth countries healthcare systems face unprecedented levels of demand. The […]