A cross-justice Review Group, chaired by the Lord Justice Clerk, Lady Dorrian, has recommended that a new, national specialist Court with trauma-informed procedures be created to deal with serious sexual offence cases in Scotland.
As part of a wide ranging Review into the prosecution of sexual offences, the Group made extensive recommendations, most of which can be considered on a standalone basis. In addition to the specialist Court these include the presumed use of pre-recorded evidence; measures to improve the current experience of complainers with a particular focus on improved communication; steps to enhance jury involvement; and improvements to aspects of the Children’s Hearings System.
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New Specialist Court Recommended
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Improving the Management of Sexual Offence Cases March 2021 Final Report from the Lord Justice Clerk's Review Group