Tuesday 29 July 2014

OK, one last pop, honest.

"CONTROVERSIAL plans to scrap Scotland’s centuries-old principle of corroboration have been delayed amid mounting criticism from the legal establishment. Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill yesterday said he had accepted a proposal from opposition parties to delay the passage of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill until a review being led by Lord Bonomy reports back next spring"

That was was back in April 2014, of course. However it was also reported ....

Mr MacAskill said: “The Scottish Government remains firmly committed to all aspects of the criminal justice bill, including our proposals to abolish the requirement for corroboration..."

Leaving aside all the other arguments against this move, such as possible miscarriages, and police sleight of hand, oor Kenny has made much of the need to abolish corroboration to allow victims to "have their day in court". 
It'll certainly do that of course (whether the courts can cope is another matter). Just a single day. Any jury will still be asked to make their decision based on the case before them being proved, "beyond reasonable doubt." One person's say so, with no supporting evidence? How long would you give that case?

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