Victim-support organisations have signed a joint open letter calling on the Scottish Government to re-consider plans for jury-free trials. The letter, signed by Victim Support Scotland, Rape Crisis Scotland, Scottish Women’s Aid and Assist, said that unless trials without juries go ahead a long backlog potentially lasting years could be created, while causing additional trauma to victims. Ministers withdrew draft proposals for jury-free trials at the last minute after a backlash from the legal profession. (Third Force News)
Victim-support organisations: Re-consider jury-free trials
Victim-support organisations have signed a joint open letter calling on the Scottish Government to re-consider plans for jury-free trials. The letter, signed by Victim Support Scotland, Rape Crisis Scotland, Scottish Women’s Aid and Assist, said that unless trials without juries go ahead a long backlog potentially lasting years could be created, while causing additional trauma to victims. […]