LATEST NEWS
Ashley Edwards appointed as Principal Crown Counsel
February 7, 2022The Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain QC has appointed Ashley Edwards of Black Chambers as Principal Crown Counsel. Ashley called to the Bar in 2000 and had been a highly popular defence counsel before joining Crown Office in 2008. Her ability … Continue reading
Jennifer Bain been appointed a QC
September 13, 2021Black Chambers were delighted to hear that Jennifer Bain has been appointed as a QC. Since calling to the Bar in 2002, Jennifer has built a reputation for dealing with vulnerable witnesses and building good working relationships with clients. Jennifer’s … Continue reading
Matt Jackson QC appointed to Scottish Sentencing Council
November 4, 2020Congratulations to Matt Jackson QC of Black Chambers, following his appointment to the Scottish Sentencing Council. Matt joins Sheriff Principal Craig Turnbull as the other new member of the Council, and replaces Stephen O’Rourke who sat as the previous advocate … Continue reading
Black Chambers members play important role as trials resume
October 6, 2020Black Chambers were delighted to hear the announcement on Friday that jury trials will be restarting in the Sheriff Court. This represents further significant progress in addressing the backlog of criminal cases created by the pausing of business at the … Continue reading
Andy Lamb QC Returns to Full-Time Practice
February 3, 2020Andy Lamb QC is delighted to announce his return to full time practice at the Scottish Criminal Bar, having spent the period since June 2014 at the Ministry of Justice. He is re-joining the Black Chambers with effect from 31/01/2020. … Continue reading
Recent Decisions in Extradition Cases
February 25, 2015EXTRADITION LAW RECENT CASES JUNE 2013 A : CONVENTION RIGHTS ARTICLE 3 Ergashev V Russia (2012) App. No. 49747/11 ( European Court of Human Rights, First Section) ARTICLE 7 Minister for Home Affairs of the Commonwealth v Zentai [2012] HCA … Continue reading
Recent Appeal Court Decisions
Dock identification Since the time of the decision of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in Holland v HMA 2005 SCCR 417 it has been the expectation of practitioners, at least in solemn cases, that where the question of … Continue reading
Guidance on Prior Statements and Hearsay Evidence
This guidance accompanied a talk given by Brian McConnachie QC in June 2012. The hand-out is designed to be, in so far as possible, a guide to prior statements and hearsay evidence which hopefully helps practitioners in a real practical way … Continue reading
Admissibility of Hearsay Evidence
HMA v Stewart & another This was a murder trial which concluded on Monday 3rd October in Glasgow. At an early point in the trial, the cross examination of the first Crown witness by Senior Counsel for the first accused, … Continue reading
Internet Searches by Jurors
HMA v Blenkinsop & oths This was a significant drugs trial which finally concluded on 4th October 2011 with five accused being sentenced to lengthy sentences of imprisonment for importation of cocaine. The trial first took place in October/November 2011 … Continue reading
David Young QC Returns to Private Practice
Following seven years as an Advocate Depute, David Young QC has returned to practice as a defence Advocate and become a member of Black Chambers. Working initially as a Trial AD followed by four years as a Senior AD handling … Continue reading
The Decision in Cadder: The Immediate Implications
Cases in respect of which leave to appeal was refused In a significant number of cases leave to appeal was refused both before the decision in McLean and after it was announced in October 2009. It is open to those … Continue reading
Scottish Law Commission Report on Double Jeopardy
The Scottish Law Commission recently published their report on the issue of the double jeopardy rule. This is, of course, the rule that prevents someone facing trial again for a matter in respect of which they have been acquitted. It … Continue reading
Sentencing Guidelines for Punishment Parts
HMA v Boyle & Others This is a five bench decision in a Crown Appeal against sentence. The actual circumstances of the cases involved are not of the greatest importance however the case is of considerable significance to all criminal … Continue reading
Decision on Salduz Test Case
The seven judge Bench convened to consider the reference under the Scotland Act made by the Sheriff at Forfar in the case of HMA v McLean has rejected the submission made by counsel for the accused Chris Shead of Black … Continue reading
Heroes’ Welcome After Epic Journey Raises £11,000
Advocate Lorenzo Alonzi and sons Riccardo and Gianluca arrived to an unforgettable welcome in their ancestral village home in Italy after a cycle marathon of nearly 3,000 kilometres from Edinburgh. Supporters and friends have been so impressed by the epic … Continue reading
University Honour for Frances McMenamin
Frances McMenamin QC has received an honorary degree from the University of Strathclyde. The leading advocate was made a Doctor of the University at Strathclyde’s Barony Hall during the annual University Day celebrations. She was recognised for her outstanding contribution … Continue reading