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Law and change: Scottish legal heroes
Law and change: Scottish legal heroes

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4 Thinking about making a difference

There are many ways to become involved in legal change at a local, national and UK level. In Week 7, you explored a number of principles underpinning how decisions should be taken by those with legal authority delegated to them and why challenges to such decisions may arise. This week, you learnt about participating in the parliamentary lawmaking process. You should now watch the following video in which Elish Angiolini, the former Lord Advocate, explores her early experience with the law.

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Having the courage to challenge decisions and to do so in a structured and organised way can help effect change for individuals, community or society. Through such challenges, as you have learnt from the history of development of the law as well as your exploration of legal change and the principles underpinning the rule of law, certain words and behaviours have become associated with it.

Law word cloud
Figure 12 Law word cloud

There are times, however, when we may become more directly involved with the law and its impact on a more personal basis. Often this comes at a time when we are experiencing difficulties whether at work, home, school, college, during our leisure time or in our community. It is often at times when we may be emotionally vulnerable and under significant stress that we come into contact with the law. This can also impact on our perceptions and colour the way in which we view law.

You should now watch the following series of videos which contain the personal reflections of Scottish law makers and lawyers. The former Lord Advocate Elish Angiolini, Craig McKerracher, Scott Manson and Iain Gray reflect on their legal heroes. They discuss the individuals, organisations and campaigns they hold in high esteem together with the reasons why, whether for their tenacity, perseverance, contributions, support or encouragement.

Download this video clip.Video player: Elish Angiolini
Elish Angiolini
Elish Angiolini
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Download this video clip.Video player: Craig McKerracher
Craig McKerracher
Craig McKerracher
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Download this video clip.Video player: Scott Manson
Scott Manson
Scott Manson
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Download this video clip.Video player: Iain Gray
Iain Gray
Iain Gray
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