29 September 2005
SCOTLAND JOINS EUROPEAN LAW ACADEMY
The Lord Advocate for Scotland, Colin Boyd QC, will tonight sign a formal accession document entering Scotland into the Academy of European Law (ERA).
This significant move, in recognition of Scotland's distinct legal system, will be marked at a reception in Edinburgh Castle, and is a highlight of the ERA Conference being held in Edinburgh this week. Mr Boyd will also give the keynote introductory speech at the opening of the conference this afternoon.
Mr Boyd said:
"I am delighted that Scotland as a nation has decided to join ERA. In doing so we acknowledge the immense contribution that ERA has made to the development of law in the European Union. I hope this marks the beginning of a fruitful and beneficial relationship.
"The UK is already a member of ERA, but this move recognises Scotland as a unique and distinctive jurisdiction in Europe. Modern Scottish law is founded on the principles of Roman Dutch law, but has also been deeply influenced by English common law. We hope that this unique perspective means that we bring something of value to the knowledge and understanding of European law.
"It is particularly fitting that the accession of Scotland to ERA takes place while the UK holds the Presidency of the European Union. Our minds are more than usually focussed on European matters and it gives a chance to think about how best we can capitalise on the progress we have made, but perhaps more importantly, what still needs to be done."
Dr Wolfgang Heusel, Director of ERA, said:
"I am very pleased to welcome Scotland to the ERA foundation today. As a European institution dedicated to training lawyers and judges in EU law, we believe it is essential that we reflect the full diversity of Europe's legal traditions.
" Distinguished Scots such as Professor Sir David Edward and Sir Thomas Macpherson have long supported ERA in an advisory capacity and there has been a Scottish component on our staff for several years. But now Scotland will be able to help shape the policy of our institution's activities in the interest of the distinct Scottish legal and judicial culture.
"I am sure that Scotland's accession today will provide a strong foundation for much closer co-operation in the future, and I am looking forward both to welcoming more Scottish lawyers and judges to our training seminars on the continent and to organising more conferences in Scotland, such as the one on criminal justice that started today."
Criminal law professionals from all over Europe gathered in Edinburgh today for the first session of the ERA conference, which will continue until Saturday. The theme of the conference is 'Developments in EU Criminal Justice: Consequences for Legal Practitioners".
The event has been organised by the ERA, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, the Faculty of Advocates and the Law Society of Scotland, with the support of the Europa Institute at Edinburgh University.
Delegates include prosecutors, defence lawyers, any other criminal lawyers, judges, civil servants and the police.
Notes to Editors
1. For more information on ERA visit www.era.int
2. Founded in 1992 on the initiative of the European Parliament, ERA is a public foundation whose members include the majority of EU member states. It is based in Trier, Germany and supported by the European Union.
3. The initials ERA represent the German translation of the Academy of European Law - Europaische Rechtsakademie.
4. The Lord Advocate is scheduled to deliver the keynote introductory at 3pm today. The accession document will be signed at a reception for delegates at 6.30pm tonight.
Contact:
Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Communications - 0131 247 2669
Academy of European Law, John Coughlan - 00 49 162 232 1380