Today (25th October 2010), is 'European Civil Justice Day' - a day dedicated to raising awareness about civil justice in the European Union.
European Civil Justice Day was established in 2003 by the European Commission and the Council of Europe and takes place every year on 25 October. It is intended to raise citizens' awareness of what civil justice is and what rights they have in relation to it. It also aims to promote the work of the European Commission and the Council of Europe.
The day is celebrated throughout the European Union by member states organising events aimed at informing citizens of their rights through simulation of procedures and information sessions as well as opening the doors to their courts.
Last week, the Scottish Government and the Law Society of Scotland co-hosted an event to mark the day. The conference focused on a number of key developments in EU civil law that will have a significant domestic impact. Recent administrative initiatives intended to simplify the provision of cross-border legal advice were also considered.
The event was attended by Fergus Ewing, Minister for Community Safety, who delivered the opening address. Julia Bateman, head of the UK Law Societies' Brussels office also attended and said "Civil law is part of daily life for people across Europe - at work, when they get married, have children or buy goods and services within the single market. The increased mobility of people and business across national boundaries means that it has an increasing cross-border dimension."
MacRoberts' Commercial Dispute Resolution Group deal with all aspects of dispute resolution, and are regularly instructed in a wide variety of civil court actions in the Court of Session and Sheriff Courts. For further information, please contact us.
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