52 Commonwealth Law Ministers from 40 countries have descended on Edinburgh for the official Opening Ceremony of the triennial Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting.

The event is being held in Scotland for the first time, beginning with a reception for over 250 delegates at the Scottish Parliament tonight, continuing until Thursday this week.  The event will debate common legal issues and examine solutions to problems such as  terrorism, overcrowding in prisons, youth justice, human trafficking and the use of small arms and light weapons.

"The Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting is particularly important for small jurisdictions such as Scotland, since it provides a unique opportunity to participate in debate and discussion with legal colleagues from around the world," said Lord Advoate, Elish Angiolini.

"Crime does not respect national or international boundaries, so it is essential that we work together and share experience which will help in the fight against it."

As the UK's senior law officer Attorney General, Baroness Scotland QC will address delegates in the Scottish Parliament's Debating Chamber tonight.

"I am delighted that the UK could host this event, and that I have the honour of leading the UK delegation which includes Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Island as well as the Overseas territories," saod Baroness Scotland.

"In particular I am pleased that we are all here to discuss the developing role of the justice minister and the challenges facing the rule of law in the Commonwealth. The value of everyone's contribution cannot be underestimated". 

Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma, said  "Our Law Ministers meetings are crucial in shaping Commonwealth legal policy and setting standards to which all Commonwealth countries can aspire. This year's theme, 'The Developing Role of the Justice Minister in the light of Challenges Facing the Rule of Law in the Commonwealth', is of vital importance to all Commonwealth citizens, not only because the Rule of Law is one of the fundamental values of this organisation, but because of the crucial role of the Justice system and the Justice Minister in ensuring that people have access to affordable justice. "