JUSTICE Scotland has submitted a response to the Scottish Government regarding the Scottish Jury Research findings. We underline the important constitutional role that juries play in criminal trials and raise concerns about reforming aspects of the Scottish jury system. The Research is an interesting piece of work. It provides insight into the relationship between the […]
In Memory of Derek Ogg QC
May 4, 2020
On Saturday we learned that Derek Ogg QC sadly passed away. Derek was a leading advocate in Scotland, a committed champion over many years of human rights and access to justice for all, particularly for the LGBT+ community. He chaired JUSTICE Scotland from 2016-2017. He is an immense loss to the legal profession and our […]
JUSTICE pilots first ever worldwide virtual mock jury trial
April 29, 2020
On 23 March all new trials were suspended, due to fears that they may contribute to the spread of COVID-19. JUSTICE has a number of concerns about this. For those remanded in prison, it means an indefinite period in which their liberty is being restricted without a determination of guilt. For those remanded on bail, […]
Domestic Abuse Bill
April 27, 2020
27 April 2020 This briefing addresses the long-awaited Domestic Abuse Bill. JUSTICE welcomes the Bill and recognises the critical opportunity it presents to address the barriers faced by victims of domestic abuse, including those faced when attempting to access the justice system. Facilitating proper and effective participation of victims in legal proceedings is of fundamental […]
HMCTS Survey on Conducting Video Hearings
April 25, 2020
JUSTICE considers that any fully remote hearings taking place during the Covid-19 pandemic must be procedurally fair. We provide responses to questions posed by HMCTS below which draws on our research, including 18 responses so far to a survey of the experiences of the JUSTICE membership, across many first instance and appellate jurisdictions with remote […]
Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill
April 21, 2020
21 April 2020 This briefing addresses the Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill (the Bill), ahead of its Second Reading in the House of Commons on 21 April 2020. JUSTICE takes no position on the content of the UK’s post-Brexit immigration policy but believes the principles of it need to be properly debated […]
JUSTICE submits consultation to Scottish Government – Human Rights Principles and Options for Solemn Trials during Coronavirus
April 20, 2020
In JUSTICE Scotland’s view, during the strict lockdown period, it is not realistic to conduct any solemn trials requiring the physical presence of persons in the court room, whether with a jury or with a judge alone. Trials necessarily involve individuals travelling to court and remaining there for some time interacting with others. These features […]
JUSTICE submits a consultation to the Justice Commons Select Committee
April 2, 2020
This consultation addresses the Justice Committee ahead of their first meeting on the criminal justice system and COVID-19 on 7 April 2020. JUSTICE is supportive of the many efforts which are being made to keep the justice system functioning during this difficult time. This short briefing to the Committee raises the key principles which JUSTICE […]
JUSTICE submits briefing on Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill
April 1, 2020
JUSTICE has briefed the Scottish Parliament relating to Schedule 4 of the Bill on justice matters, ahead of Stage 1, and all stages, due to take place on 1st April 2020. We fully appreciate the pressure Scottish Government is under in responding to the outbreak of the coronavirus and understand that the measures proposed in […]
JUSTICE welcomes Supreme Court judgment on government failure to seek death penalty assurances
March 27, 2020
On 25 March 2020, the UK Supreme Court handed down judgment in Elgizouli v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2020] UKSC 10. The case concerned El Shafee ElSheikh and Alexanda Kotey: two former UK nationals alleged to have been part of an ISIS cell in Syria responsible for the murder of several British […]