PARLIAMENT HOUSE, PARLIAMENT SQUARE, EDINBURGH, EH1 1RF, SCOTLAND
- Tel:
- Work 0131 260 5648
- Fax:
- Fax 0131 225 3642
- DX:
- ED 549302 EDINBURGH 36
- Web:
- www.compasschambers.com
- Email:
Maggie E Scott QC
- Tel:
- Work +44 131 260 5680
- Email:
Work Department
Criminal law, specialising in appeals and human rights.
Position
Very experienced and renowned silk in criminal practice, Maggie Scott is recognised as a leading expert on the criminal law and European human rights law. In recent years she has practised at the highest level in the most complex and high-profile cases. In 2010, this has included leading in the Lockerbie appeal; leading the defence in the trial against Thomas Sheridan and leading in an appeal to the Supreme Court for Nat Fraser. She specialises in appeals – as the ‘Queen of Appeal Court’ – and trials which involve difficult legal or devolution issues, or which involve difficult expert evidence. She is experienced in extradition cases. Her intellectual prowess has been shown in the numerous cases she has conducted, which has resulted in major reform of the criminal law. Cases such as Thomson v Crowe [1999] (changed trial procedure); Galbraith v HMA [2001] (changed the law of diminshed responsibility) and Hemphill v HMA [2001] (allowed for defective representation). She has led in numerous full bench appeals and in a number of cases before the Privy Council and Supreme Court for example Robertson & Ruddy v Griffiths [2006] (re Article 6 and acquiescence); Kearney v HMA [2006] (re Article 6 and impartial tribunal) and Holland v HMA [2005] (re identification evidence and disclosure and Article 6). Outside criminal law, she is experienced in civil actions involving prisoners and fatal accident inquiries. She is frequently called upon to lecture and consult on criminal law issues and law reform, and publishes articles on a regular basis.
Career
Solicitor 1987-90; called to Bar 1991; Ad-Hoc Advocate Depute 1996-99; appointed Queen’s Counsel 2002; appointed part-time Sheriff 2002.
Practice Areas
Civil liberties and human rights; Crime - general; Public inquiries
