A new guide has been published to help people whose sexual offence cases are being heard in Scotland’s High Court understand the legal process.
The publication, produced by the University of Glasgow’s Emma Ritch Law Clinic, is the first of it’s kind in Scotland. It explains what survivors can expect when their case reaches the High Court.
According to the clinic, the guide was created to address a lack of accessible information for people dealing with the justice system.
Government figures show sexual offence cases make up between 70% and 75% of thos eheard in Scotland’s High Court.
Alongside the guide, the clinic has published a Charter of Rights for Victim-Survivors in partnership with Rape Crisis Scotland. Both publications were developed with people who have experience of cases going through the courts.
Eamon Keane, principal solicitor at the Emma Ritch Law Clinic, said: ‘These public legal education resources aim to act as supportive tools for individuals who are navigating what can be an overwhelming and challenging system, often without adequate support or legal guidance.’
‘By improving access to information and enhancing understanding of rights and processes, the project seeks to contribute to a more accessible and informed justice experience for victim-survivors,’ he continued. ‘I would like to offer my thanks to COPFS, Police Scotland and the survivors who all took the time to review this resource for us.
‘Their contributions were invaluable as was the support from Glasgow law students in putting it all together.’
Alev Taylor, chief executive of Rape Crisis Scotland, added: ‘Choosing to engage with the criminal justice process remains a difficult decision for many survivors.
‘It is crucial that survivors know and understand their rights. The justice system is complex and often daunting, so specialist resources like this play an important role in ensuring that survivors know what to expect and can participate in the process feeling informed and prepared.’
Image: Ewan Buck/UnSplash
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