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

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1.1 A unique legal tradition

Before you move on and watch the following video, take a few moments to reflect on this quotation. It reflects the high regard in which the Scottish legal system is held and also the inextricable link between society and the law in Scotland.

The Scottish legal tradition is a thing to be prized both in Scotland and beyond its borders, and the public of Scotland should be more conscious of the fact. It is in a very real sense a typical product of the Scottish ethos, and has attracted to its enthusiastic service some of the greatest figures in our country’s history … The truth is that law is the reflection of the spirit of a people, and so long as the Scots are conscious that they are a people they must preserve their law.

(Cooper, 1991)

Watch the video in which Sir David Edward reflects on the Scottish legal system and considers an example of how Scots law has been widely influential.

Download this video clip.Video player: Sir David Edward reflects on the Scottish legal system
Sir David Edward reflects on the Scottish legal system
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