Stage 1 Scrutiny by the Justice Committee
The Inquiries into Deaths (Scotland) Bill was introduced in the Parliament by Patricia Ferguson MSP on 1 June 2015.
Read the Inquiries into Deaths (Scotland) Bill and accompanying documents
The Bill, like the proposals in the Scottish Government's Inquiries into Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths etc. (Scotland) Bill, which the Committee is also considering, restates the Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths Inquiry (Scotland) Act 1976 and gives effect to many of Lord Cullen's recommendations in the Review of Fatal Accident Inquiry Legislation.
The Policy Memorandum states that Bill differs from the Scottish Government Bill and goes beyond Lord Cullen's recommendations. The amendments are designed to achieve three overarching policy objectives:
- to extend the scope of mandatory fatal accident inquiries;
- to place families of the deceased at the heart of the inquiry process and to give them their proper place in relation to the investigation of the death of their loved one;
- to ensure that lessons are learned from the death and enforced for the purpose of ensuring the future safety of Scottish citizens.
Timetable
Evidence
The Committee took evidence from Patricia Ferguson at its meeting on 9 June 2015.
In advance of the evidence session on 9 June, the Scottish Government provided written evidence:
Work By Other Committees
Report
The Committee published its Stage 1 Report on the Bill on 4 September 2015.
Debate
Following the debate in the Chamber, on 24 September 2015, on the Inquiries into Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths etc. (Scotland) Bill, the Inquiries into Deaths (Scotland) Bill was withdrawn by Patricia Ferguson, the member in charge.
Additional Information