Misogyny and Criminal Justice in Scotland Working Group

Overview

The group was formed in February 2021 and concluded its work on 8 March 2022 with the publication of the Baroness Helena Kennedy’s conclusions, in the report titled 'Misogyny – A Human Right’s Issue'.

The Working Group on Misogyny and Criminal Justice in Scotland has been set up to independently consider how the Scottish criminal justice system deals with misogyny. This includes looking at whether there are gaps in the law that could be addressed by a specific criminal offence to tackle such behaviour.

The group will also consider whether a statutory aggravation and/or a stirring up of hatred offence in relation to the characteristic of sex should be added to the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) legislation by regulation at a future date.

The group is chaired by Baroness Helena Kennedy QC. She has appointed a panel of six experts with specialisms in Scots law, human rights, women’s equality and perpetrator behaviours relating to gender based violence.

Members

  • Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, chair
  • Mona Rishmawi
  • Dr Chloe Kennedy
  • Susan Kemp
  • Shelagh McCall QC
  • Professor John Devaney
  • Jamie Lipton
  • Emma Ritch (up to July 2021)
  • Eilidh Dickson (from September 2021)

Documents

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