Corporate killing law planned

New corporate killing legislation could be introduced in Scotland

News, 23 November 2004

Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson said today that she will 'consult' on proposals to make it a specific offence in Scotland for corporate and public bodies to cause death through failures of management - so called 'corporate homicide'.

The announcement comes in the wake of the Queen's Speech today where Her Majesty announced that a bill on corporate homicide would be introduced in England and Wales.

Ms Jamieson said: "I know there is public concern that there is a possible gap in the law that makes it difficult for companies to be prosecuted for deaths that are attributable to management failures.

"The First Minister and I have already made clear that if legislation was required to reform this area of law then we will not hesitate to bring forward proposals for legislation.

"I can today announce that we will consult on options for change to the law in this area and how best to deliver such change. This is a very complex area of law and it is crucial to get the issues of accountability right."

A consultation paper will be issued in the new year.