Bail and release from custody arrangements in Scotland - consultation response

Victim Support Scotland's response to the consultation on bail and release from custody arrangements highlights our key concerns and recommendations. We support changes to bail decisions being based explicitly on public safety grounds, including victim safety, and stress the need for a clear definition of what constitutes public safety in this context. We also advocate for judges to give particular regard to protecting victims when deciding on bail, emphasizing the severe psychological and physical impacts on victims if bail decisions are not carefully considered.

Additionally, we support the idea of a simplified legal framework for bail decisions, provided it ensures consistency and transparency in the justice system. We argue for both oral and written explanations from judges when bail is refused and recommend extending this requirement to cases where bail is granted to ensure victims are adequately informed and protected.