Commissioner re-appointed

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/08/31150209

Cabinet Secretary for Justice Kenny MacAskill yesterday announced the reappointment of Patrick Layden QC TD as Commissioner to the Scottish Law Commission.

Patrick Layden has held a Ministerial appointment as Commissioner to the Scottish Law Commission since September 1, 2008. He is leading the Scottish Law Commission's work on criminal and public law matters. He is currently leading the Commission's projects on similar fact evidence, the criminal liability of partnerships, homicide, and judicial factors. His knowledge and experience in these matters continues to be of great benefit to the Commission.

Mr MacAskill said:

"I am pleased that Patrick Layden has agreed to accept reappointment as Commissioner to the Scottish Law Commission. The work of the Commission in making recommendations for reforms across Scots law is much valued by the Scottish Government, as is Patrick Layden's role in this work."

Mr Layden practised for a period at the Scottish Bar before taking up an appointment with the Lord Advocate's Department in London. He was involved in a wide range of legal advisory work, as well as drafting primary legislation, latterly in the criminal justice field. On devolution, he was appointed legal secretary to the Lord Advocate, and then as a senior solicitor to the Scottish Government, with responsibility for European, constitutional and criminal matters.

This reappointment will be for two years and will run from September 1, 2011 to August 31, 2013.

This post is full-time and carries a remuneration of £105,668. Mr Layden holds no other public appointments.

The Scottish Law Commission, along with its counterpart for England and Wales, was set up by the Law Commissions Act 1965. It exists to keep the law of Scotland under review with a view to its modernisation, simplification and systematic reform. The Commission receives and considers proposals for changes to the law, examines particular branches of the law, and makes recommendations for reform.

This Ministerial public re-appointment was made in accordance with the code of practice published by the Public Appointments Commissioner for Scotland.

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. Mr Layden has undertaken no political activities over the last five years.