Eleventh Programme of Law Reform

The Eleventh Programme is a five year programme covering the period from 2023 to 2027. It incorporates ongoing work from the Tenth programme as well as four new projects. The Programme has been approved by Scottish Ministers and laid before the Scottish Parliament. 

It was prepared following extensive consultation with the legal profession and other interested parties including members of the public. We are grateful to all who responded. There were a number of good suggestions from consultees that, unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to undertake in this particular Programme. All suggestions have, however, been drawn to the attention of the Scottish Government. 

Items in the Eleventh Programme 

Five projects are carried forward from the Tenth Programme:

• Heritable securities
• Aspects of the law of leases
• Homicide
• Aspects of family law
• Damages for personal injury 

We are also continuing our work on Tenement law: compulsory owners' associations, which was a project referred to us during the period covered by our Tenth Programme. 

In addition, there are four new projects, each stemming from suggestions made by consultees. All suggestions were assessed against the project selection criteria of importance, suitability and resources. The four new projects are on:

• Execution of documents
• Limitation (or time-bar)
• Executry law
• Consolidation of nature conservation legislation

Phase 2 is review of the law of civil remedies for domestic abuse.