Proposed Victims, Criminal Justice and Fatal Accidents Inquiries (Scotland) Bill

In its response to the Proposed Victims, Criminal Justice, and Fatal Accident Inquiries (Scotland) Bill, Victim Support Scotland (VSS) expresses strong support for the legislation, emphasizing the need for a legal framework to address key issues in the Scottish justice system. We advocate for the removal of the "Not Proven" verdict, highlighting that it often leaves victims, witnesses, and their families feeling confused and re-traumatized due to the lack of finality and clarity in the verdict. VSS argues that the current three-verdict system, with its two forms of acquittal, is not fit for purpose and fails to adequately support those affected by crime. Instead, we believe that a simplified verdict system would better serve justice and aid victims in their recovery.