'Cop-out' trial option left families 'emotionally scarred'

A VICTIMS’ charity has backed calls by the Justice Secretary to finally scrap the not proven verdict, saying it leaves “deep emotional scars" for families.

- BY SALLY HIND

Support Scotland has long called for the removal of the not proven verdict. We urge every MSP to listen to the voices of victims and the wider public and play their part in creating a fairer system by ensuring the safe passage of the Bill.

debates on Tuesday. Chief executive Kate Wallace said: “The not proven verdict is a relic of Scottish criminal law that has confused juries and denied justice to victims for far too long. For victims and survivors of crime, a not proven verdict feels like a denial of their experience.

“It offers no closure, clarity, or comfort. Instead, it leaves open-ended questions and deep emotional scars.

“For the accused, we are told it can cast a shadow of suspicion over them for the rest of their lives they feel unable to address.