a) That Wales had a court distinct from England – The Court of Great Sessions – between 1542 and 1830, organised like the English Assizes, with the addition of Chancery, in four circuits with Chief and Puisne Justices for each circuit (an historical reference).

b) Of the separate legal system of Northern Ireland, established since 1922, including its own Court of Appeal and Lord Chief Justice (a contemporary reference).

c) Since last year Wales now has its own Great Seal, usually called the Welsh Seal (a future reference).

These related legal matters, amongst others and the way in which Welsh political and administrative devolution is developing all point to some form of separation from the English jurisdiction in the future, probably complete in time.

“Lord Steel explained: “… I was appalled by the language being used by Alex Salmond, Kenny MacAskill and an authorised spokesman towards the judiciary on the Supreme Court and the secretary of state.

“I told Alex that I hoped this was not the way they were going to continue now that they had an overall majority, …”” – Of course it is. Everyone knows that this is how Salmond and the S.N.P. always behave.

I wasn’t aware of this abuse by Salmond but, after seeing this blog, I read this Telegraph article on it:
http://preview.tinyurl.com/cw6tsn4

The article reports Salmond saying: “… when the citizens of Scotland understandably vent their fury about the prospect of some of the vilest people on the planet getting lots of money off the public purse, they don’t go chapping at Lord Hope’s door,” Mr Salmond told Holyrood magazine.

Sounds like he’s abusing his position while on public duties: “citizens of Scotland” makes it sound as if Scotland already had independence. (A ploy he uses often.) I also think it’s unacceptable of someone in his position to talk threateningly of: all the people in Scotland “venting their fury” and saying: … [let's hope] they don’t go chapping at Lord Hope’s door.”

(As if they’ve heard of this obscure subject anyway.)

Salmond also says: “At least I went to the bother of being elected – it may be an inconvenience but none the less has to count for something.” – Not much of an election. Only less than 45% of the people who happened to be living in Scotland at the time voted for The Scottish Parliament to exist. A minority of a minority.

“Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill was also criticised after threatening to remove funding for the court, saying: “He who pays the piper picks the tune.”” – A pretty good summing up of Mac Askill’s understanding of law and government. Is it legal for him to threaten that?

http://ukscblog.com/lord-steel-confirms-resignation-after-snp-supreme-court-spat

According to the BBC: “Scotland’s first minister, Alex Salmond, has announced plans to hold an independence referendum in the autumn of 2014.” – How is this legal? Salmond is in The Scottish Executive – constitutional matters are reserved, and it is illegal for him to be agitating on them while on his public duty hours.

Salmond and his fellow S.N.P. politicians sow discord wherever they go.