James Dornan SNP MSP for Glasgow Cathcart has welcomed the Scottish Government’s consultation “Making Justice Work for Victims and Witnesses Bill

The proposed Bill aims to introduce measures to further protect those affected by crime and to allow more openness and transparency between victims of crime and the Scottish justice system.

Commenting James said: "Any justice system has two key roles, it has to ensure that those who perpetrate a crime are held to account for their actions but also it has to protect the victims of crime. In my work as a precognition officer within the justice system, it was clear that improvements could be made to deal with the difficulties that victims of crime face.

The Scottish Government has already made some much needed improvements to the way victims of crime and witnesses are treated by the judicial system. Courts can now award higher compensation payments and the Government also continues to support the incredibly important work of Victim Support Scotland.

This consultation contains a wide range of proposals aiming to further improve the experience of the justice system for victims and witnesses and to offer additional support. It has provisions in it to ensure that victims, witnesses and their families feel better prepared to give evidence, and to ensure that they are more informed about any court proceedings and better ensure that victims and witnesses needs remain a priority.

I would urge as many people as possible in Glasgow Cathcart to respond to the consultation, as their opinions could be vital in ensuring that this Bill goes further to protect those affected by crime.

Note:

The Making Justice Work for Victims and Witnesses Bill consultation can be found online at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/05/8645