Last week party leader Douglas Ross announced plans to reform the Scottish justice system and its treatment of victims. The headline policy is scrapping the not proven verdict, which has long been a confusing relic of Scots law. Other ideas include doubling the maximum sentence for attacking emergency workers and allowing victim statements in court. All of these measures will ensure that vulnerable groups and victims of violent crime can get the closure they deserve.
The not proven verdict has existed since the late 17th century and allows a jury to acquit a defendant due to lack of evidence, even if they believe the defendant is guilty. It only exists in Scotland and has been roundly criticised by jurists for its ambiguity. Victims are often confused and distressed, unsure as to the status of the accused. It can also harm defendants who, although technically innocent in the eyes of the law, are stigmatised as criminals.
Dropping the verdict would give juries a simple choice between guilty and not guilty, as exists in other western legal systems. Ross pointed out that a disproportionately large number of rape cases ended with a not proven verdict.
The Scottish Conservatives have made several other proposals to protect victims and end the SNP’s ‘soft touch’ approach to justice. For example, allowing victims to make statements in court can help with emotional recovery as well as force offenders to face up to the real-world consequences of their actions. Juries can see first-hand exactly how a crime has damaged lives and broken families.
Another measure was doubling the maximum sentence faced by those who obstruct or harm emergency workers. Recent figures showed that emergency service workers faced increasing levels of violence whilst on the job. Such acts should not be tolerated, and we need to do everything we can to support our key workers. Increasing maximum sentences sends precisely the right kind of message to potential perpetrators and emergency services members who may feel unsafe at work.
In the end, providing closure for the victims of violent crime is one of the main functions of the justice system. As with every other issue, the SNP are completely blinded by their constitutional obsessions. Only the Scottish Conservatives can take the necessary steps to strengthen our institutions and ensure they work for the Scottish people.