JUDGMENT SUMMARIES
Summaries of opinions (judgments) provide a short explanation of judicial decisions in order to assist understanding and may be published in cases where there is wider public interest. They provide the main findings, but do not form part of the reasons for the decision.
The judgment published on the Scottish Courts and Tribunals website is the only authoritative document.
Appeal against conviction by John Watt v HMA
Feb 3, 2023
The Criminal Appeal Court has refused an appeal against conviction in the case of HMA v John Watt. Lord Woolman, sitting with Lord Pentland and Lady Wise, found that there had been no miscarriage of justice in Mr Watt’s conviction for historical rape and sexual abuse.
David Grier against The Lord Advocate and The Chief Constable of Police Scotland
Dec 20, 2022
The Court of Session has refused an appeal by David Grier in an action for damages for malicious prosecution against the Lord Advocate and the Chief Constable of Police Scotland.
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association v Scottish Event Campus Limited
Oct 25, 2022
Sheriff John N McCormick has found that the Scottish Event Campus Limited discriminated against Billy Graham Evangelistic Association by terminating an agreement on the basis of a protected characteristic in terms of the Equality Act 2010 following a hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court. The court awarded damages to the extent of £97,325.32
The BBC v The Rt Hon Lady Smith, Chair of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry
Feb 23, 2022
The BBC has won an appeal against the Chair of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI) in relation to orders she issued restricting the publication of information.
For Women Scotland v the LA & the Scottish Ministers
Feb 18, 2022
The organisation ‘For Women Scotland’ has won an appeal against the Scottish Ministers in relation to the definition of ‘woman’ used in legislation aimed at increasing the number of women on public boards.
X v Sheriff Jack Brown, SCTS and the Lord Advocate
Feb 8, 2022
A Court of Session judge has quashed a tribunal decision in relation to the conduct of a sheriff towards a court lawyer.
School and Nursery Milk Alliance v Scottish Ministers
Jan 28, 2022
A Court has upheld the challenge by a coalition of organisations to the legality of a regulation around providing milk and healthy snacks to pre-school children.
Scottish Creel Fishermen's Federation v Scottish Ministers (reclaiming motion)
Dec 23, 2021
The Scottish Ministers have won an appeal in the Court of Session against the Scottish Creel Fishermen’s Federation.
Greenpeace
Oct 7, 2021
Greenpeace have lost an appeal which sought to halt oil exploitation in the North Sea.
Martin Keatings
Apr 30, 2021
An appeal brought by a Scottish independence campaigner against the Advocate General for Scotland and the Lord Advocate has been refused by an appellate Division of the Court of Session.
Success of churches in Court of Session action
Mar 24, 2021
An action at the Court of Session challenging the lawfulness of the closure of places of worship in Scotland has been successful.
Martin Keatings
Feb 5, 2021
An action brought by an independence campaigner against the Advocate General for Scotland and the Lord Advocate has been dismissed by the Court of Session.
Megrahi decision summary
Jan 15, 2021
A bench of five judges has refused a posthumous appeal against the conviction of Abdelbaset Al-Megrahi.
Prisoner fails in compelling ministers to conduct assessment
Sep 2, 2020
A prisoner serving an Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR), has failed in his attempt to compel Scottish Ministers to carry out a “community facing risk assessment” in order to increase his chances of release.
Martin James Keatings Against The Advocate General for Scotland And Others
Jul 31, 2020
A pursuer’s motion for a protective expenses order in his case brought against the Advocate General for Scotland, the Lord Advocate and the Scottish Ministers has been refused.
MacBean v Scottish Water
May 29, 2020
A Boat of Garten resident has lost a Court of Session case against Scottish Water in relation to odour emitted from a waste water treatment plant (WWTP).
Campbell v Dugdale
Jun 16, 2020
A blogger has lost his appeal at the Court of Session in a defamation case against a former MSP and Scottish Labour Party leader.
NHS Trust Appeal - repayment of tax
Apr 9, 2020
An Appeal by an NHS Trust to recover £929,875 overpaid tax between 1974–1997 has been referred back to the First Tier Tribunal.