In brief: Scots gain rights of confiscation

Scottish courts have new powers to confiscate property under the Proceeds of Crime (Scotland) Act 1995. The provisions, which came into force at the start of this month, allow Scottish courts to confiscate any property obtained through a serious criminal offence. Lord James Douglas-Hamilton MP, minister of state with responsibility for home affairs at the Scotttish Office, said: "The legislation will ensure that crime does not pay and that criminals will not be able to benefit from money or goods obtained by criminal activity."