Public appointment: Chair reappointed to Scottish Law Commission

The Minister for Victims and Community Safety today announced the reappointment of the Rt Hon Lady Paton as Chair of the Scottish Law Commission.

Chair

Lady (Ann) Paton is an appeal court judge is Scotland. Having graduated MA LLB in 1974, she became an advocate at the Scottish Bar in 1977, a QC in 1990, a judge in 2000 and an appeal court judge in 2007. She is experienced in both civil and criminal law, and prosecuted crime in the High Court as an advocate-depute (1992-1995). Lady Paton served on the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (1995-1999) and the Parole Board (2003-2007). Her publications include Gloag & Henderson, Law of Scotland (8, 9 and 10 editions) and McEwan & Paton, Damages for Personal Injuries in Scotland (1 and 2 editions).

Reappointment

This reappointment will be for two years and will run from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2025.

This reappointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

This appointment is made on a part-time basis, with 60 per cent of Lady Paton’s time being spent on Commission business, and the remainder of her time devoted to her judicial functions. Lady Paton retains her judicial salary and receives no additional payment for this work.

Other ministerial appointments

Lady Paton does not hold any other public appointments.

Political activity

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.  However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity within the last five years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public.   

Lady Paton has had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

The Scottish Law Commission was established under the Law Commissions Act 1965 for the purposes of promoting the reform of the law of Scotland, and reviewing the law with a view to its systematic development and modernisation.