Question reference: S6W-01777
- Asked by: Jamie Greene, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 23 July 2021
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Current status: Answered by Keith Brown on 5 August 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what the timeline will be for its proposed consultation on the "not proven" verdict, and how quickly it will implement the recommendations made.
Answer
As set out in the response to PQ S6W-01778 on 5 August 2021, the consultation on not proven will be taken forward early in the upcoming parliamentary term.
At the jury research engagement events held mainly last year, with a substantial number of legal professionals as well as survivors and victims, concerns were raised about the not proven verdict, such as lack of understanding, juror confusion and perceived stigma.
However, these are complex issues and many participants felt that the third verdict should be retained, or highlighted the interconnectedness of the system, so it is right that we consider these issues carefully.
Once these views have been gathered and analysed, the Government will set out the next steps and timescales.
All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .