News In Focus
15 November 2007
Government seeking views on Coulsfield report
The Scottish Government is seeking views on Lord Coulsfield’s review of the law and the practice of disclosure in Scottish criminal proceedings.
Lord Coulsfield’s report was published in September 2007, as reported on the Journal Online. His remit was "to review the law and practice of disclosure of evidence and other relevant material in criminal proceedings in Scotland, with a view to making recommendations that will secure a system that is both practical and effective, recognising the rights of the accused, the interests of victims and witnesses and the wider interests of justice".
The report contained 44 recommendations, some calling for legislation and others requiring action by the police and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. The government wants views on the areas recommended for legislation, although it also invites specific comments on Lord Coulsfield’s recommendations relating to disclosure for summary cases.
Almost all the other recommendations which do not need legislation are already being taken forward by the Crown Office and the police.
The consultation document can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2007/11/09145246/0 .