Building a fair future for all
Discover how JUSTICE Scotland has championed reform and helped shape the Scottish legal landscape.
Our mission
We strive for a fair Scottish justice system within everyone’s reach. Our work targets the justice issues that most deeply shape people’s lives.
We advocate for better laws, policies, and practices, and we challenge developments that threaten people’s rights or their equality before the law.
A fair justice system strengthens democracy, builds trust, and enables all of us to thrive.
Aims of our current work
Ensure people detained in police stations can access legal advice
This project aims to increase the uptake of legal advice and increase awareness amongst lawyers and police of the needs of those experiencing vulnerability. This includes assessing police interview adjustments for those who are neurodivergent and/or have intellectual disabilities. As part of this, JUSTICE is co-supervising PhD research observing interviews Scottish police stations.
Strengthen democratic law making and protect the rule of law
We are updating our Law for Scottish Lawmakers guide to give MSPs the knowledge and tools to ensure democratic, evidence-based lawmaking and protect the rule of law. The guide explains key legal and constitutional principles to help politicians of all parties review new laws, table and write amendments, support their constituents, and more.
Ensure equal, effective access in Scotland’s rights expansion
We are working with key stakeholders and a broad coalition to ensure the Scottish Government’s proposals to expand human rights in Scotland – be it the incorporation of international treaties via the Human Rights Bill or changes to redress and judicial review – are effective, apply to all, and guarantee rights to redress for everyone in Scotland.
Promote the rights of people with neurodiversity
In response to calls from those with lived experience and the Scottish Government’s proposals to introduce a Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill, JUSTICE is researching the Scottish justice system’s treatment of neurodiverse people and those with intellectual disabilities. We will work to ensure the legislation is fit for purpose and will carry lessons from this to our pan-UK advocacy.
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Governance and membership
A registered charity, we are a cross-party membership organisation with members from students to senior judges. We are committed to ensuring the law is within everyone’s reach and applies to us all equally and fairly. We welcome all who support our purpose.
JUSTICE Scotland’s work is overseen by JUSTICE members via our Council. This council is currently headed by Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws KC LT, with Vice-presidents Dominic Grieve KC and Baroness Sarah Ludford.
We work closely with our members and other stakeholders in all our work. Our considerable convening power enables us to produce high quality, evidence-based research that reflects the reality of the justice system and maps out better ways to do things.
Corporate support
How your organisation can get involved
We are very grateful for the strong relationships we have with the Faculty of Advocates, the Law Society of Scotland and other NGOs, as well as our Scottish corporate members, who regularly provide venues and practical support to enable us to carry out our work.
If you're interested to learn more about how your organisation can be involved in JUSTICE Scotland's work, you can read about our Corporate Membership option below or get in touch to arrange a chat.
"Supporting the work of JUSTICE in Scotland has been really significant for us. As well as providing financial support, a number of our lawyers contributed their time and work to the project as volunteers. The project was both interesting and rewarding for all involved, contributing to the brilliant work JUSTICE does by supporting the rule of law and promoting access to justice. We look forward to working with JUSTICE in the future."
