Access to justice
-
Tribunals (Scotland) Act 2014 - draft regulations: consultation analysis and response
Analysis and response to consultation regarding draft regulations on transferring certain appeal functions of the Transport Tribunal and allocating new appeal functions relating to bus service improvement partnerships to the Upper Tribunal for Scotland.
-
XL Bully dog exemption application process opens
Owners urged to apply before 31 July deadline.
-
Marches, parades and static demonstrations: guidance
This publication sets out the key duties and responsibilities for local authorities facilitating marches, parades and protests in Scotland. It provides guidance and highlights best practice for all key parties involved.
-
Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report : March 2024
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer community statistics. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
-
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child - concluding observations 2023: SG initial response
This report sets out the Scottish Government’s (SG) initial response to the UN Committee’s Concluding Observations. It outlines the progress made in relation to children’s rights in Scotland since the publication of the Position Statement of November 2022
-
Scottish court fees 2024 to 2025: consultation
Consultation to seek views on proposals to revise court fees in Scotland so that the fees raised in our courts continue to contribute appropriately to the cost of the business undertaken in those courts.
-
Justice Analytical Services (JAS) Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report February 2024 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities areas. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
-
Prostitution - challenging and deterring men's demand: strategic approach
Sets our our collective approach, working with stakeholders across the wider public and third sector, to challenge and deter men’s demand for prostitution and support those with experience of it.
-
Justice Analytical Services (JAS) Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report: January 2024 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities areas. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
-
Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill: consultation
We are committed to protecting, respecting and championing the rights of people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent people. This consultation on proposals for a Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill seeks the views of everyone on how we can do this.
-
Justice Analytical Services (JAS) Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report December 2023 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities statistics. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
-
Vulnerable Witnesses Act - section 9: report
This report meets obligations on Scottish Ministers by the Vulnerable Witnesses (Criminal Evidence) (Scotland) Act 2019 to publish a report evaluating the effectiveness of the Act at supporting witnesses to participate in the criminal justice system and to set out next steps for implementation.
-
Vulnerable Witnesses Act: three month evaluation report
Sets out the findings of a short term evaluation into the operation of the presumption in favour of pre-recorded evidence for children under the age of 18 giving evidence in the High Court to understand what lessons can be learned for future implementation of the Act.
-
Historic forced adoption - scoping study: research findings
A summary of findings from research to scope the support needs of people affected by historic forced adoption in Scotland.
-
Historic forced adoption - scoping study: service delivery paper
Research report identifying critical factors to consider when designing services for people affected by historic forced adoption in Scotland.
-
Historic forced adoption - scoping study: final report
Research to scope the support needs of people affected by historic forced adoption in Scotland.
-
Justice Analytical Services (JAS) Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report: November 2023 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities statistics. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
-
Scottish Crime and Justice Survey 2021/22: Main Findings
Main findings from the Scottish Crime and Justice Survey 2021/22.
-
Occasional paper: The Effect of COVID-19 on Community Payback Order Unpaid Work or Other Activity Requirements
This is an occasional statistical paper examining the effects of COVID-19 on Community Payback Order unpaid work or other activity requirements at Scotland level.
-
Vision for Justice in Scotland: three year delivery plan
Provides a high-level overview of the main areas of work that are being undertaken across the justice sector, and further significant reforms that will be introduced over the period 2023 to 2026.
-
Justice Analytical Services (JAS) Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report : October 2023 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities statistics. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
-
Justice Analytical Services (JAS) Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report : September 2023 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities statistics. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
-
Association of Construction Attorneys: revised scheme
The scheme has been revised in accordance with the provisions of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 in order to change the name to the Association of Construction Attorneys. The Minister for Victims and Community Safety directed this come into force from 17 July 2023.
-
Justice Analytical Services (JAS) Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report: August 2023 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities statistics. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
-
National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 - updated 2023
This guidance describes the responsibilities and expectations for all involved in protecting children and will support the care and protection of children.
-
Women's Justice Leadership Panel: report
This report "The Case for Gendered and Intersectional Approaches to Justice" summarises the work of the Women’s Justice Leadership Panel, their thematic discussions, and their key findings. The remit of the Panel was to demonstrate that the experience of women in the justice system is different to men, and to promote consistent understanding of gendered issues.
-
Tribunals (Scotland) Act 2014 - Draft Regulations Consultation
A consultation on draft regulations transferring certain appeal functions of the Transport Tribunal and allocating new appeal functions relating to bus services improvement partnerships to the Upper Tribunal for Scotland, along with rules governing composition and procedure.
-
Hate crime strategy: easy read version
An easy read version of Scotland's Hate Crime Strategy.
-
Justice Analytical Services (JAS) Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report July 2023 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities statistics. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
-
Scottish Crime and Justice Survey: data protection impact assessment
Latest version of the data protection impact assessment (DPIA) for the Scottish Crime and Justice Survey (SCJS) - published in July 2023.
-
Justice Analytical Services (JAS) Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report: June 2023 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities statistics. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
-
Age-appropriate care and justice
Bill passes Stage One.
-
Crime remains at historically low-levels
Delivering a safer Scotland for everyone.
-
Transforming children’s experiences of the justice system
New test sites for ‘Bairns’ Hoose’ to be set up.
-
Justice Analytical Services (JAS) Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report May 2023 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities statistics. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
-
Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill: data protection impact assessment
Data protection impact assessment (DPIA) for the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill.
-
Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment
Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA) examining the potential impact on children's human rights of the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill.
-
Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill: Fairer Scotland Duty summary
In compliance with The Fairer Scotland Duty as set out in legislation in Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010, this assessment considers what more can be done to reduce the 'inequalities of outcome' caused by 'socio-economic disadvantage' in relation to the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill.
-
Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill: equality impact assessment
Record of the equality impact assessment (EQIA) carried out in relation to the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill.
-
Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill: business and regulatory impact assessment
Business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) to look at the likely costs, benefits and risks of the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill.
-
Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill: strategic environmental assessment pre-screening notification
Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) pre-screening document for the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill.
-
Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill: island communities impact assessment
An island communities impact assessment (ICIA) considering the potential impact of the introduction of the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill on island communities.
-
Victim Notification Scheme (VNS): independent review
Report of the independent review of the Victim Notification Scheme (VNS). The VNS provides eligible victims information about an offender’s release, and the chance to make representations about parole decisions.
-
Victim Notification Scheme (VNS): independent review - easy read
Easy read version of the report of the independent review of the Victim Notification Scheme (VNS). The VNS provides eligible victims information about an offender’s release, and the chance to make representations about parole decisions.
-
Justice Analytical Services (JAS) Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report: April 2023 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities statistics. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
-
Equality outcomes and mainstreaming report 2023: easy read
Provides an easy read update on the progress we are making to mainstreaming equality, inclusion, and human rights as an employer and decision-maker. It also provides an update on the equality outcomes for the 2021 to 2025 reporting period.
-
Equality outcomes and mainstreaming report 2023
Provides an update on the progress we are making to mainstreaming equality, inclusion, and human rights as an employer and decision-maker. It also provides an update on the equality outcomes for the 2021 to 2025 reporting period.
-
Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill: island communities impact assessment
Records the decision not to carry out an island communities impact assessment for the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill. It explains why the Bill will not have a significantly different effect on island communities and describes how this assessment has been made.
-
Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill: business and regulatory impact assessment
This impact assessment looks at the costs and benefits of the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill that affect the public, private and third sector.
-
Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA)
This impact assessment considers how the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill will affect children’s rights and wellbeing. It records the research, analysis and engagement that has taken place in respect of this and how this has informed the development of the Bill.
-
Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill: equality impact assessment
Results of the equality impact assessment process for the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill. This process was undertaken to ensure that the Bill does not discriminate against any of the protected characteristics defined in the Equality Act 2010.
-
Putting victims and witnesses at heart of justice system
Legislative reforms introduced to Parliament.
-
Civil justice statistics in Scotland 2021-22
Statistics on civil law cases in the Scottish courts together with other related information, such as statistics from the Scottish Crime and Justice Survey.
-
Equality, opportunity, community: New leadership - A fresh start
This publication sets out the First Minister’s vision for Scotland and the outcomes he and his government aim to achieve by 2026.
-
Letter of rights - your rights when you are in a police station: guide for children and young people
This letter for children and young people held in police custody in Scotland, sets out their rights in straightforward language. This version was created in April 2023.
-
Letter of rights - your rights when you are in a police station: easy read
This letter for people held in police custody in Scotland, sets out their rights in straightforward language. This version was created in April 2023
-
Virtual reality helping victims
World-first allows people to better understand courtroom process.
-
Justice Analytical Services (JAS): Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report: March 2023 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities statistics. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
-
Reforming the criminal law to address misogyny: consultation
A consultation on draft legislation to implement recommendations for reform of the criminal law contained in the report of the Working Group on Misogyny chaired by Baroness Helena Kennedy KC.
-
Digital evidence pilot
Collaborative system will benefit victims and witnesses.
-
Justice Analytical Services (JAS): Safer Communities and Justice Statistics Monthly Data Report: February 2023 edition
This report contains summary statistics covering a number of important justice and safer communities statistics. It is published with up to date statistics every month.
-
Diversion from prosecution: joint review
A joint review of diversion from prosecution carried out by HM Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland, HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland and the Care Inspectorate
-
Justice Social Work Statistics in Scotland: 2021-22
This publication presents national-level information on justice social work activity in Scotland. It includes data on justice social work services and social work orders, as well as characteristics of the individuals involved.
-
Making the justice system better for victims: what did you tell us?
Easy read summary of the main findings from the consultation on improving victims' experiences of the justice system
-
Reform of legal services regulation
Modernisation plans centred on the public interest.
-
Support for improved rights for victims
Improving experiences of the justice system.
-
Deaths abroad
Support for families and loved ones.
-
Victim Surcharge Fund
More help for victims as criminals pay towards costs.
-
New custodial unit for women
Visionary centre will transform support for women in custody.
-
Justice Analytical Services - safer communities and justice statistics monthly data report: July 2022 edition
This is a monthly data summary report with an overview of a number of important justice and safer communities statistics.
-
Legal Aid offer
Enhanced fees for lawyers to support profession.
-
National Strategy for Community Justice launched
Reducing reoffending will lead to fewer victims.
-
Criminal proceedings in Scotland: 2020-2021
Statistics on criminal proceedings concluded in Scottish courts and alternative measures to prosecution issued by the police and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service are presented for the ten years from 2011-12 to 2020-21. The latest year’s data is impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
-
Miners’ Strike Pardon Bill passes
Key legislation will pardon former miners of certain offences.
-
Bail and Release from Custody (Scotland) Bill: business and regulatory impact assessment
Business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) to look at the likely costs, benefits and risks of the Bail and Release from Custody (Scotland) Bill.
-
Restorative justice launch
New national hubs pave way.
-
Police complaints and misconduct
Consultation launched on new legislation.
-
Victims’ consultation launches
Putting people at the heart of the justice system.
-
£3.2m to strengthen remand alternatives
Bail supervision and assessment support.
-
Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission
Sentence referred.
-
Working Group on Misogyny and Criminal Justice in Scotland
Justice Secretary welcomes report and will now “consider recommendations”.
-
New Bairns’ Hoose appointment
Post will drive improvements for children.
-
New vision for justice
Victims placed at the heart of ensuring just, safe, and resilient communities.
-
Criminal justice social work statistics: 2020-21
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
-
Not proven consultation opens
Views sought on three verdict system and related reforms.
-
Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission
Sentence referred
-
Victim Surcharge Fund reopens for applications
Criminals pay towards helping victims.
-
Death in custody review
Two year review recommends independent body investigates prison deaths.
-
Use of bail and remand consultation launches
Victim safety at the heart of proposed changes to the use of custody.
-
Historic miners’ pardon Bill published
Key legislation aims to pardon workers of certain offences and restore dignity.
-
New victim support fund announced
Scheme will diversify and broaden support for victims.
-
Supporting children in the justice system
Improving services for victims and witnesses.
-
Inspection of the management of criminal allegations against the police by COPFS
HM Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland's report on how criminal allegations against the police are dealt with by Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service
-
Scottish Land Court and Lands Tribunal for Scotland consultation: Scottish Government response
This publication announces that the Scottish Ministers have decided to bring forward legislation amalgamating the Scottish Land Court and the Lands Tribunal for Scotland. The resultant body will be an expanded Land Court.
-
£6.7 million support for legal aid firms
Vital backing to help with COVID recovery.
-
Scottish Land Court and the Lands Tribunal for Scotland: consultation analysis
Consultation sought views on whether the Scottish Land Court and the Lands Tribunal for Scotland should be merged. It also asked further questions about related administrative issues relating to the bodies.
-
Age of Criminal Responsibility (Scotland) Act 2019: child interview rights practitioners – code of practice
This Code of Practice sets out the national standards of practice that apply to all Child Interview Rights Practitioners (ChIRPs), as implemented by the Age of Criminal Responsibility (Scotland) Act 2019 (Register of Child Interview Rights Practitioners) Regulations 2021.
-
Structured deferred sentences: guidance
A high-level guide to the purpose, policy rationale and operation of structured deferred sentences in Scotland, for local authority justice social work services, youth justice services and relevant partners.
-
Supporting the legal profession
Funding of up to £20 million available for solicitors.
-
CashBack for Communities
More than 100,000 young people supported by scheme.
-
Children’s hearings
Views sought on extending the age range of young people referred.
-
Impact of COVID-19 on crime
New monthly statistics published.
-
Recorded Crime in Scotland: April 2020
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.
-
Criminal trials during COVID-19 outbreak
Discussion paper published ahead of talks and update to Parliament.
-
Ensuring continuity of justice during COVID-19
Emergency powers for release a ‘last resort’.
-
MSPs support Emergency Coronavirus Bill
New legislation will protect people, public services and the economy.
-
Tenants to be given extra protection
Emergency Scottish legislation in response to coronavirus.
-
Extra support for crime victims during pandemic
Justice Secretary announces £100,000 ‘victims fund’ to help those in need.
-
EU citizens vital to Scotland
New funding for legal support.
-
Violence reduction service expanded
Pioneering hospital-based Navigator programme operating in Dundee.
-
Independent review of mediation: our response
Our response to the independent review of mediation in Scotland.
-
New President of Mental Health Tribunal
Laura Dunlop QC appointed.
-
Scottish Jury Research
Findings of UK’s largest ever mock jury study published.
-
Scottish jury research: findings from a mock jury study
The study is the first mock jury research to consider the unique nature of the Scottish jury system with 15 jurors, three verdicts and a simple majority.
-
Scottish jury research - mock jury study: summary of findings
The study is the first mock jury research to consider the unique nature of the Scottish jury system with 15 jurors, three verdicts and a simple majority.
-
Letter of rights: consultation
A consultation to seek the views of key stakeholders and members of the public on the current Letter of Rights for Scotland.
-
Family Justice Modernisation Strategy
Sets out our work to improve the family justice system in Scotland.
-
Victim statement expansion
Giving more victims a voice in court to explain how crime has affected them.
-
Mediation in civil justice: international evidence review
Available literature and evidence on mediation in civil justice (civil/commercial) in five international jurisdictions: Australia, Canada, England and Wales, Ireland, and the USA.
-
Statistics News - Insights into equality outcomes
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.
-
Civil Justice Statistics in Scotland 2017-18
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.
-
Damages Bill passed
Reforming the law on setting the personal injury discount rate.
-
Proceeds of Crime Act 2002: consultation
We are consulting on draft code of practice on powers by proper persons to exercise a series of investigatory orders and warrants under Chapter 3 of Part 8 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
-
Strengthening victims’ voices in parole hearings
Consultation on improving openness and transparency of parole.
-
Victims taskforce
Delivering better support for victims of crime.
-
Prescription Bill passed
More clarity for creditors and debtors in terms of legal claims.
-
Tackling misogyny
Legislative option to form part of forthcoming public consultation.
-
Victims Task Force
Justice Secretary to lead group driving progress for victims of crime.
-
Funding boost for Rape Crisis Centres
Support for victims of sexual violence.
-
Reconvictions at 19-year low
'Focus on reducing re-offending is helping keep crime down and communities safe'.
-
More support for young people at risk of crime
Funding for whole system approach.
-
Improving victims' experiences of the justice system
£1.1 million extra to reduce delays in sexual offences cases and improve communication with victims.
-
Making the justice system more accessible
Support for victims of crime and vulnerable adults.
-
Hate crime reporting must continue
Statistics on hate crime published.
-
More pre-recording of evidence for criminal trials
Improving support for child and vulnerable witnesses in justice system.
-
Independent review of policing during Miners' Strike
Impact on mining communities to be focus.
-
New Chief Inspector of Prisons
Wendy Sinclair-Gieben first woman appointed to post.
-
Understanding victims' experiences
Identifying improvements in the criminal justice process.
-
Police call handling
Independent HM Inspector reports on improvements.
-
Review of family law
Prioritising children’s interests in family court cases when parents separate.
-
Support for bereaved families
Funding for new homicide service.
-
Insights into key equality outcomes across Scotland
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.
-
Scottish Police Authority appointees
Seven new members to strengthen the Board.
-
Supporting victims of rape
Matheson announces £1.7m to extend advocacy service after successful pilot.
-
Support for court users
More vulnerable groups to be exempt from court fees.
-
Prescription Bill introduced
More clarity for creditors pursuing and debtors defending claims.
-
Modernising powers of arrest
New framework of police powers and duties.
-
Action on sexual harassment
Women need confidence in reporting procedures.
There is a problem
Thanks for your feedback