If we keep only one verdict: it should be not proven
Campaigners have recently called on the Scottish Government and justice secretary Humza Yousaf to scrap the ‘Not Proven’ verdict which is unique to Scots law. Critics claim the verdict allows guilty suspects to walk free from court where a more acceptable verdict may have been found. Government studies have shown the public has wildly inconsistent views on what the verdict means in law, and how it differs in practice from not guilty. The Justice Secretary has committed to reviewing multiple…