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Guidance for requesting information about cases in which victims have been involved.
Victims of crime and the relatives of deceased victims have the right to receive certain information about cases in which the victims have been involved. This includes the right to request the disclosure of any reasons given for the sentence that the judge has imposed.
Victims and the relatives of deceased victims can request this information by completing this form and sending it (along with the identification called for in the form) to the court in
which the case was heard.
Contact details for courts can be found here.
For all cases heard at the High Court, the contact details for the supreme courts supreme.courts@scotcourts.gov.uk should be used.
If the case is appealed, victims and the relatives of deceased victims can ask for the disclosure of any reasons why the appeal was either allowed or not allowed. The form should be sent to the supreme courts.
The SCTS will aim to respond as soon as possible, and, in any event, no later than 40 days from receipt of a request.
If you want to know what other information victims of crime have a right to request, see the SCTS website. Read more about the law on Victims and Witnesses.
When imposing a sentence, judges and sheriffs take into account the effect of a crime on a victim. For many offences, victims can write a statement for the court explaining how they have been affected by the crime. This can be how it affected them physically, emotionally
and financially.
Guidance on making a victim statement
Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003
VSS is an independent, voluntary organisation that provides emotional and practical support to people affected by crime. Find out more
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) Victim Information and Advice (VIA) service provides information proactively to victims and prosecution witnesses in certain categories of case. In all other cases, information can be provided to victims and witnesses
on request. If you are eligible for the VIA service in relation to a case, VIA will contact you automatically. If you are not contacted by VIA and you would like information about a case, please contact
Tel: 0300 0203000 Email: EnquiryPoint@copfs.gsi.gov.uk