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Scottish Law Commission
15/08/2008
The Cabinet Secretary for Justice today announced the appointment of Patrick Layden QC as Commissioner to the Scottish Law Commission, with effect from September 1, 2008. Mr Layden replaces Professor Gerry Maher, whose appointment ends on August 31, 2008.
The Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Kenny MacAskill, commented:
"The Scottish Law Commission carries out its programme of law reform in a thorough and systematic way, and its work is greatly valued by the Scottish Government. We are delighted that Patrick Layden has agreed to accept appointment as Commissioner. His skills and expertise will be a great asset."
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 responsible, among other things, for advising Ministers on criminal law issues.
The appointment will be for 3 years until August 31, 2011. It is made on a full-time basis, and carries a remuneration of £104,106. 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 appointment was made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland's Code of Practice.
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 (if there is any to be declared) to be made public. Mr Layden has undertaken no political activities over the last 5 years. He will be on secondment from the Scottish Government Legal Directorate for the period of his appointment.