SCOTTISH lawyers have slammed “knee-jerk” plans to stop jury trials for up to a year-and-a-half amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The Scottish Criminal Bar Association (SCBA), which represents courtroom solicitors, says it is “vehemently” opposed to the sweeping changes on trials contained within new Covid-19 emergency powers.
Under the changes, judges will be permitted to take pre-recorded statements from trial witnesses which then cannot be challenged under cross-examination.
The 110 day pre-trial custody limit will increase to 293 days. Jury trials will be suspended and there is no automatic right of appeal.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says the shift, included under the Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill, is necessary to allow the justice system to cope amid the crisis, and time limits mean it lasts for 18 months at most.
But the SCBA said the measures are “disproportionate and ill advised”, stating: “They are at best a knee-jerk reaction to an as-yet unquantified problem instigated by panic, and at worst, something far more sinister.”
Lord Carloway, the head of the Scottish justiciary, said action is needed to avoid potential delay to 1000 trials.
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