A new guide aimed at helping MSPs navigate Scotland’s legal and constitutional framework has been backed by First Minister John Swinney, Scotland’s top judge and politicians from across Holyrood.
JUSTICE’s new Law for Scottish Lawmakers provides an accessible introduction to the principles underpinning the Scottish Parliament, covering areas including devolution, human rights and the roles of Parliament, government and the judiciary.
The guide is being delivered to the offices of all 129 MSPs, nearly half of whom – 64 – are serving their first term. This is the highest proportion of new MSPs since the Scottish Parliament was established in 1999.
JUSTICE Scotland developed the guide with law firm Brodies LLP, with the organisation saying it is designed to help MSPs and their staff improve legislation, strengthen parliamentary scrutiny and support democratic standards.
The updated publication follows a first edition released in 2017 and reflects major changes to Scotland’s constitutional landscape, including the impact of Brexit and recent Supreme Court rulings on the devolution settlement.
JUSTICE Scotland chair Usman Tariq KC said: ‘A better understanding of the law can improve the quality of political debate, strengthen parliamentary scrutiny, and ensure that laws are both effective in practice and robust in principle. It can help safeguard the values of the Scottish Parliament inscribed on its Mace – wisdom, justice, compassion and integrity – which should underpin all legislative decision-making.’
First Minister John Swinney said: ‘A clear understanding of Scotland’s legal and constitutional framework is essential to informed law-making, effective scrutiny and robust parliamentary debate. As many MSPs begin their first term in Parliament, this guide will help develop that understanding by providing an accessible overview of the Scottish legal system and the respective roles of Parliament, government and the judiciary. I welcome its publication and the support it will provide to new and returning MSPs and their staff as they carry out their parliamentary responsibilities.’
Lord Pentland, Scotland’s most senior judge, also welcomed the publication. In his foreword, the Lord President of the Court of Session and Lord Justice General said the guide explained key features of Scotland’s justice system clearly and would contribute to efforts to uphold and strengthen the rule of law.
The guide comes amid wider concerns about the rule of law and constitutional uncertainty following Brexit and a series of landmark Supreme Court decisions.
Brodies said the publication would help MSPs, as well as Scottish MPs and peers, fulfil their roles in a democratic society founded on the rule of law.
The guide can be downloaded here.
[…] New guide aims to strengthen lawmaking at Holyrood […]