At the beginning of July, the Society welcomed its first cohort of WS Summer Scholars for their two-week research project. The scholars researched the new EU environmental crime directive, or EU “Ecocide” law, and how this compares with the current UK legislative landscape for environmental crime prevention and prosecution. The scholars presented their research findings to an audience of experienced practitioners and academics, which generated a lively and informative debate. The scholars’ written research report is available below:

The second cohort began their placement on the 22nd of July, researching how the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024 is set to strengthen children’s rights protection within the Scottish legal system, and the potential impact of the Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Act 2024 on the Children's Hearing System in Scotland. The students are due to deliver their presentation this Thursday.

Alongside their meticulous research, both cohorts participated in a tour of the supreme courts building and library, accompanied by senior court librarian Jennifer Findlay.

Highlights from the visit included sight of a copy of the Declaration of Arbroath, with which Scottish barons and commoners requested the pope to recognise Scotland's independence in 1320; the Regium Majestatem, which is the earliest collection of laws that governed Scotland, dated 1609; The Truth About Oscar Slater, the book by William Park which turned instrumental in the uncovering of one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in Scottish history; and visits to the historic cells underneath Parliament, which famously housed William Burke and Madeleine Smith.

The third and last cohort of scholars will be joining the Society on the 12nd of August. We look forward to welcoming them in due course.