Stevenson Debates Change To Double jeopardy Law In Parliament

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has spoken in a parliamentary debate on double jeopardy, a law in Scotland which prevents defendants being tried a second time for the same crime. The debate followed a motion to change the law so that a person can be tried twice for the same offence. In his speech Mr. Stevenson outlined a number of recommendations for second trial were the law to be changed, drawing upon examples from England where the law was abolished in 2005. Speaking in the debate Mr. Stevenson said;

“This debate is about the effectiveness and reliability of our criminal justice system - that the right people are convicted of the right crimes and justice is done . I am pleased to see that it has been taken so seriously and there is a consensus that this is a subject that is worth debating.

“What England has done is certainly interesting. It has restricted to a narrow range of offences the ability to bring someone back for a new trial. Were changes to be made in Scotland, I think that there would be broad agreement that it would be necessary to restrict the offences for which a retrial might be sought.

“As Members of the Scottish Parliament we should be working to ensure that our legal system is fully efficacious. This is an extremely serious matter which concerns the safety of Scottish citizens and the fairness of their justice system. We must maintain the integrity of our laws and guarantee that they remain fit for purpose - that is to both ensure fair trial and protect the community.”