MSPs to vote on scrapping not proven verdict in major justice shake-up
Summary
The Scottish Parliament is voting on a major justice reform bill that includes removing the not proven verdict from the legal system. The bill also proposes changes like raising the requirements for a guilty verdict and establishing a special court for sexual offences. The bill is controversial, but it is expected to pass with support from some opposition members.Key Facts
- MSPs are voting on a bill to change Scotland's legal system.
- One key change is removing the not proven verdict, a unique verdict in Scottish law similar in outcome to not guilty.
- The bill suggests increasing the number of jurors needed to convict from a simple majority to two-thirds.
- Plans to reduce the size of juries from 15 to 12 have been dropped.
- The bill proposes a special sexual offences court to handle cases more efficiently.
- Additional measures include anonymity for sexual offence victims and the right to legal representation when their sexual history is questioned.
- Critics and supporters have debated the impact of removing the not proven verdict on justice outcomes.
- Ministers expect the bill to be passed with cross-party support despite the SNP lacking a majority.
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