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Legal Matters
Scotland
Scotland to abolish not proven verdict

The Scottish Government’s Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform Bill seeks to abolish the centuries-old "not proven" verdict, creating a clearer two-verdict system. Justice Secretary Angela Constance said the landmark legislation would deliver a fairer, more transparent process, particularly in sexual offence cases where the third verdict has been disproportionately used. Reforms also include stricter jury requirements for conviction, a new Victims Commissioner, lifelong anonymity for sexual offence victims, and "Suzanne’s Law" linking parole to disclosure of victims’ remains. The Conservatives back scrapping "not proven" but have demanded amendments, including grooming gang inquiries and better victim notifications, while the Liberal Democrats have pushed for victim impact statements and a charter. Despite political wrangling, ministers insist the bill will transform justice by supporting victims and protecting rights of the accused. With 160 amendments under debate, the outcome could reshape Scotland’s justice system for decades, states the Glasgow Evening Times.

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