News In Focus
29 August 2006
Bail law to promote "public safety"
A specific reference to "public safety" is to be introduced to the legislation on bail for accused persons in Scotland.
Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson has agreed to amend the wording of the Criminal Proceedings etc (Reform) (Scotland) Bill to make it clearer that suspects will not be released on bail if there is any potential threat to public safety.
At present, the bill states the suspects will not be released on bail if it should be refused "having regard to the public interest", but the Scottish Parliament's Justice 1 Committee recommended that a specific reference to public safety would be easier for people to understand.
The Executive has accepted this, while maintaining that the amendment will not change the the effect of the bill, which will make it harder for suspects to be released on bail if there is any chance of them carrying out further offences.