THE Scottish and UK Governments went head to head in the Court of Session this week over Alister Jack's decision to use a Section 35 order for the first time.

The Scottish Secretary used the little-known part of the Scotland Act to block Holyrood's gender reform legislation from becoming law in January this year.

But do the UK's arguments stack up? Will they be able to prove that Jack properly considered the evidence and made an informed decision before using the veto? And did the gender reforms really have an adverse effect on the operation of law on reserved matters?

READ MORE: Stephen Flynn sparks questions over SNP independence policy

Joining our political reporter Abbi Garton-Crosbie to discuss the ins and outs of the two-day hearing in Edinburgh, presided over by Judge Lady Haldane, is Nick McKerrell, senior lecturer in law at Glasgow Caledonian University. 

McKerrell gives his view on the UK Government's arguments, some of which he described as "weak", but admits it is difficult to call which side may win the first round of the judicial review.

It is also widely expected it will make its way to the Supreme Court eventually, as whichever side comes out on top, the other is likely to appeal the decision. 

Elsewhere, political reporter Steph Brawn speaks to Laura Mahon (below) from Alcohol Focus Scotland on issues around alcohol advertising and Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP), ahead of an expected rise of the MUP to 65p. 

The National: Laura Mahon, deputy chief executive at Alcohol Focus ScotlandLaura Mahon, deputy chief executive at Alcohol Focus Scotland (Image: Alcohol Focus)

She also told how it is “frustrating” the Scottish Government does not have full power to control alcohol advertising. 

Elsewhere, our reporters discuss Shona Robison's first FMQs standing in for Humza Yousaf, who is in New York for Climate Week, and a key amendment to the First Minister's motion on independence strategy put forward by one SNP MP. 

You can listen to Episode 3 of Season 2 on the Omny streaming platform, Spotify and our website below.