500 signatures reached
To: Scottish Government
Not Proven - Not Tolerable
We are asking the Scottish Government to review the Scottish Justice System; and abolish the Not Proven verdict.
Why is this important?
IN SCOTTISH COURTS THERE IS ONLY 33% OF GETTING A CONVICTION. 66% OF ACQUITTAL ......
WHY?
Not proven gives Jury’s three choices of verdicts in Scottish criminal cases;
Guilty - Not Guilty - Not Proven.
As the legal implications of a not proven verdict are exactly the same as a not guilty i.e. the accused is acquitted and is innocent in the eyes of the law; effectively the accused has a 2 out of 3 chance of acquittal (66%) against only a 1 out of 3 chance of conviction. 33%
The not proven verdict is devastating on families and friends, particularly in emotive cases such as murder, rape, sexual assault, domestic abuse, child abuse.
How it will be delivered
The Petition will be lodged with the Scottish Government 31st May after Parliament recess.
