European & Human Rights

Why Scotland got there first. By one of those accidents of recent history, we had a head-start in Scotland over the rest of the UK in our experience of the European Convention on Human Rights. This is because the devolution settlement, which created the Holyrood Parliament in 1999, effectively ushered in the provisions of the Convention north of the Border a full year and a half before they were given force in the Human Rights Act everywhere else in the UK.

Eight years on, it may be a moot point how we've all exploited that longer acquaintanceship in Scotland. What it does mean, though, is that public authorities, private providers of public services and commercial organisations have had more time to understand the rights and protections available to them.

Advice that's clear and pragmatic. We're in the business of giving clients advice that's straightforward, effective and functional in a legal arena that covers so many aspects of our life and work. The Human Rights Act has an impact on virtually all areas of law including questions of fair process, employment, planning and environmental, litigation, property, social housing, the family and sports. 

The European Perspective. We can advise on how the fields of public procurement, employment, pensions and competition law are affected by European legislation. Nearly all modern employment legislation stems from European directives and pensions and tax laws are undergoing a process of harmonisation throughout the European Union.

If you're concerned about any of these issues, we can help. We can advise you on your duties and likely liabilities.   We will keep you up to date on the latest developments in human rights and European law through the articles we contribute to the bulletins of the firm's other Practice Groups.