Question reference: S6W-01778
- 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 (a) scope and (b) timeline will be for its proposed review of the prosecution system.
Answer
This Government's recent manifesto stated that this review will consider reform of corroboration, and the three verdict system, including - in recognition of the strong case that can be made for abolition - a consultation on the removal of the not-proven verdict.
The Scottish Government has committed to engaging further with justice partners and opposition parties on corroboration to develop a shared understanding of the evolving legal position and the implications and potential unintended consequences of reform, while continuing discussions with those with direct experience of the system. These discussions will be arranged after parliament returns from recess.
The consultation on not proven will be taken forward early in the upcoming parliamentary term.