Access to justice

This guidance for organisations that provide support to victims of crime sets out how the Victim Surcharge Fund will operate and explains the application process, assessment criteria for awards, and what the Fund can and cannot be used for.

This island communities impact assessment considers the impact of the provisions contained in the Social Security Administration and Tribunals (Scotland) Bill on individuals living in island communities relative to individuals living in other communities as set out in the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018

BRIA to assess the impact of the urgent measures contained in the Coronavirus (Scotland)(No. 2) Bill.

CRWIA to assess the impact of the urgent measures contained in the Coronavirus (Scotland)(No. 2) Bill on children and young people.

EQIA to consider the impact of the urgent measures contained in the Coronavirus (Scotland)(No. 2) Bill.

Fairer Scotland Duty Impact Assessment (FSD) for the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill.

Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) for the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill.

Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) for the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill.

Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) for the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill.

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill.

DPIA for the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill.

Discussion paper published ahead of talks and update to Parliament.

Emergency powers for release a ‘last resort’.

New legislation will protect people, public services and the economy.

CRWIA to assess the impact of the urgent measures contained in the Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill.

EQIA was carried out to consider the impact of the urgent measures contained in the Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill.

Emergency Scottish legislation in response to coronavirus.

Justice Secretary announces £100,000 ‘victims fund’ to help those in need.

New funding for legal support.

Pioneering hospital-based Navigator programme operating in Dundee.

Our response to the independent review of mediation in Scotland.

The scheme has been revised in accordance with the provisions of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990. The Minister for Community Safety has directed that the Association of Commercial Attorneys bring this into force from 18 June 2019.

Laura Dunlop QC appointed.

Findings of UK’s largest ever mock jury study published.

The study is the first mock jury research to consider the unique nature of the Scottish jury system with 15 jurors, three verdicts and a simple majority.

The study is the first mock jury research to consider the unique nature of the Scottish jury system with 15 jurors, three verdicts and a simple majority.

A consultation to seek the views of key stakeholders and members of the public on the current Letter of Rights for Scotland.

Sets out our work to improve the family justice system in Scotland.

This report examines the effectiveness of Integrated Domestic Abuse Courts (IDACs) that use a ‘One Family, One Judge’ model.

Giving more victims a voice in court to explain how crime has affected them.

The Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland's review of the investigation and prosecution of sheriff solemn cases.

This document is the basis of a 12 week public consultation on legal aid reform in Scotland.

Scottish Government response to independent review by Esther A Roberton.

Available literature and evidence on mediation in civil justice (civil/commercial) in five international jurisdictions: Australia, Canada, England and Wales, Ireland, and the USA.

An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.

An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.

Reforming the law on setting the personal injury discount rate.

We are consulting on draft code of practice on powers by proper persons to exercise a series of investigatory orders and warrants under Chapter 3 of Part 8 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

Update on work by our statisticians and Police Scotland to review the availability of information on hate crime.

Consultation on improving openness and transparency of parole.

Scottish Government response to "Rethinking Legal Aid, an Independent Strategic Review".

Delivering better support for victims of crime.

More clarity for creditors and debtors in terms of legal claims.

Consultation on Scottish Ministers' powers to cap success fees, to regulate which cases are not suitable to be funded by damages based agreements, and to make further regulatory provision about success fee agreements.

Overview of progress to the actions set out in 2017-2018 Justice Vision and Priorities Delivery Plan and new approaches and additional actions for the coming year 2018-2019.

This toolkit provides resources to enable survivor support organisations become more sustainable.

Legislative option to form part of forthcoming public consultation.

Justice Secretary to lead group driving progress for victims of crime.

Support for victims of sexual violence.

'Focus on reducing re-offending is helping keep crime down and communities safe'.

Funding for whole system approach.

£1.1 million extra to reduce delays in sexual offences cases and improve communication with victims.

Support for victims of crime and vulnerable adults.

Statistics on hate crime published.

Improving support for child and vulnerable witnesses in justice system.

Impact on mining communities to be focus.

Wendy Sinclair-Gieben first woman appointed to post.

Identifying improvements in the criminal justice process. 

Independent HM Inspector reports on improvements.

Prioritising children’s interests in family court cases when parents separate.

This review draws on international evidence from field studies which are undertaken with real jurors and simulated or ‘mock’ jury studies.

Research findings from the evidence review of methods of conveying information to jurors.

Funding for new homicide service.

An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.

Seven new members to strengthen the Board.

Matheson announces £1.7m to extend advocacy service after successful pilot.

More vulnerable groups to be exempt from court fees.

More clarity for creditors pursuing and debtors defending claims.

New framework of police powers and duties.

Women need confidence in reporting procedures.