Minutes October 2009

GLASGOW BAR ASSOCIATION

draft

MINUTES

of

Executive Committee Meeting

held on

Monday 20th October 2009

within

Glasgow Sheriff Court

-------------

1. SEDERUNT
David O'Hagan; Sara Matheson; Stephen Fox; Philip Cohen; Michael Gallen; Gerry Sweeney

2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Ally Thomson; John McGovern; Nicola Irvine; Ken Waddell; Calum Weir

3. MISSING WITHOUT APOLOGIES
Pat Campbell; Bernadette Baxter; Colin Bissett

4. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
The Minutes from the last two meetings were approved.

5. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
None.

6. TREASURER'S REPORT
The Association continues to be in a healthy financial state. A list of those who had renewed their membership for the current year was produced. It was agreed that each individual would be written to and advised that the Association facilities are for the benefit of the members and those who had not renewed their subscription would not be entitled to enjoy these facilities.

7. CUSTODY COURT
Concern was raised that the door list and marking list were no longer being provided. It was agreed we would request a list outlining the marking instructions and bail positions be made available by the administrative staff from the Procurator Fiscal's office. David O'Hagan to write to the Procurator Fiscal seeking clarification as to the criteria for diversion from prosecution.

8. CRMINAL LEGAL AID (SCOTLAND) (FEES) AMENDMENT REGULATIONS 2009
David O'Hagan agreed to attend the Legal Aid Conference being held on 9th October with a view to ascertaining the position regarding the introduction of solemn fees given no response had been provided in relation to the re-drafted regulations. To date no timescale has been given for when these regulations will be made available.

9. CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND LICENSING BILL
A response to this Bill is being revised by John McGovern.

10. MATTERS REQUIRING SPECIAL ATTENTION

PCC

The recent court visit was deemed a success. Bookings are being received for participation in February's course.

CPD

David O'Hagan will speak about the new criminal legal aid forms on the morning of 30th October. Mark Moir has agreed to speak on proceeds of crime legislation in the afternoon. Niall McCluskey has indicated he is also free to speak in the afternoon, however it was suggested that Aileen check with Niall whether he might be free to speak in the morning. Gerry Sweeney indicated that he would speak at 4pm in the afternoon and would address devolution matters.

As far as the full day conference on 20th November 2009 is concerned we still to require to identify speakers. Stephen Fox agreed to approach Jim Wallace, Thomas Ross and Keith Bovey to ascertain their availability and willingness to speak at this event.

SOCIAL EVENTS

ANNUAL DINNER : Aileen to check the figures from the hospice as the total figure required to be split between each of the two charities.

RENFREW FERRY : It was agreed invitations would be extended to all past Glasgow sheriffs and cooperation would be sought from the Scottish Courts Service as to their contact details. All past and present Stipendiary Magistrates from the District Court at Glasgow are to be invited to this event as are Stephen Bain, Paul Lowe, Alan Dewar, Frank Gill, David Thomson and Joe Margey for their assistance to the Association. The invitations are to be responded to by the 16th October by the guests. Glasgow Bar Association members are to be allowed priority in purchasing tickets. Phil Cohen was to confirm the cost of the venue and also the cost of the catering before the ticket price was finalised.

11. PRESIDENT'S MISCELLANEOUS

David O'Hagan is to attend the Legal Aid Conference on the 9th October 2009.

A committee meeting with Kingsley Thomas and Owen Mullen has been arranged for the 15th October 2009 at 3pm at Glasgow Sheriff Court in relation to sanction applications. The Board are to identify the cases within which Counsel will be granted without any difficulty.

David O'Hagan is to attend the prize giving at the University of Glasgow School of Law on 14th October 2009 at 6pm.

Stephen Fox will attend the presentation of diplomas at GGSL on 21st October 2009 at the Barony Hall.

The Procurator Fiscal has invited the President of the Association and two office bearers to attend the Fiscal's Office for a coffee afternoon on 10th or 17th October.

Sara Matheson is to consider and prepare a response in relation to the Legal Services (Scotland) Bill.

David O'Hagan attended the Special General Meeting of the Law Society. The cost of the practicing certificate was reduced to £565. The Motion advanced for the disclosure of more detailed accounts was amended by the Law Society and passed albeit in a more watered down version that what had been originally sought.

Mr Joseph Beltrami was awarded an honorary life membership and the Association would wish to extend our congratulations to him on this achievement.

The next meeting of the Executive Committee will take place on Monday 2nd November 2009 at 6pm.