Judiciary reform plans put on hold

Bill one of two delayed until after Holyrood elections next year

News, 22 June 2006

Plans to reform the Scottish judiciary system have been delayed until after the next Holyrood elections in May 2007.

The proposals would have meant that the Lord President, Scotland's most senior judge, would be in charge of sheriffs as well as judges, assuming a new disciplinary and complaints-handling role. The increase in workload would require civil service support.

The plans have been criticised by judges and others in the legal profession, who feel they will undermine the independence of the judiciary.

The move was confirmed this morning in a statement on the rescheduling of business at Holyrood by Margaret Curran, the minister in charge of parliamentary business.

Another bill to be postponed is the planned reform of the children's hearing system. Drafts of both bills will be published before the May elections for consultation.

The minister said that changes to the programme of legislation laid out last September would help strengthen existing priorities. The Sentencing Bill will focus on knife crime and the release of offenders, and new bills will be introduced on protection of vulnerable groups, and street prostitution.

A third new measure will be a bill to improve the position of victims of asbestos-related cancer, as reported yesterday: http://www.journalonline.co.uk/news/1003178.aspx .

Mrs Curran confirmed that the Transport and Works, Schools (Nutrition and Health Promotion) and Aquaculture and Fisheries Bills will be introduced as planned.