(Hons) from St Andrews, and subsequently gained a PhD in criminology and penology from the University of Edinburgh in 1975 presenting the thesis "Bail decision-making : law and practice in Scotland".

She stood down at the 2005 general election, allowing Secretary of State for Transport Alistair Darling to contest the new Edinburgh South West constituency.

[4] On 18 January 2006, Lady Clark of Calton resigned as Advocate General, pending an expected judicial appointment.

[6] On 21 June 2012, Lady Clark succeeded Lord Drummond Young as chairman of the Scottish Law Commission.

[7] Lady Clark demitted office on 31 December 2013 in order to sit in the Inner House of the Court of Session, and was succeeded as chairman by Lord Pentland.