Letter of rights: consultation

The Content and Format of the Letter of Rights

As previously stated, the Letter of Rights contains important information on the rights of accused persons and suspects and a copy of the Letter should be provided to every arrested person at the earliest opportunity, before any other criminal procedure is carried out. It is vital that the information is presented in a format that can be easily understood and retained by a person in custody (subject to risk assessment).

The Scottish Government is keen to hear suggestions from stakeholders on specific groups who may require the Letter of Rights in different formats and how the information included could be best communicated to people in such groups. The Scottish Government is currently considering the production of the Letter in a video format.

Questions on Content and Format

1. Do you consider the content of the 'standard' version of the Letter of Rights easy to understand?

Yes/No

If not, why not?

2. Is the content of the 'easy read' version of the Letter of Rights easy to understand?

Yes/No

If not, why not?

3. Do you consider that the versions of the Letter of Rights cover the key information individuals need to know when being held in custody?

Yes/No

If not, please indicate where in the letter the content requires clarification or is missing information and suggest alternative content.

4. Does the way the information is organised in the 'standard' version of the Letter of Rights, i. e. with a text box at the beginning, help to convey key information in a way that is easily understood?

Yes/No

If not, please indicate where there are problems with the layout of the Letter and suggest an alternative layout.

5. Does the way the information is organised in the 'easy read' version of the Letter of Rights, i.e. with a text box at the beginning, help to convey key information in a way that is easily understood?

Yes/No

If not, please indicate where there are problems with the layout of the Letter and suggest an alternative layout.

6. What alternative format(s) do you think the Letter of Rights should be provided in, e.g. print, Braille, audio?

7. Do you have any other questions or comments on the content or format of the Letters?

The Accessibility and Language of the Letter of Rights

In the Letter of Rights, the Scottish Government has sought to use plain English and avoid legal jargon, to ensure rights are accurately communicated to a wide audience with varying needs.

The Letter of Rights is translated into 45 languages which are listed at Annex C.

Questions on Accessibility and Language

8. Is the wording used in the 'standard' version of the Letter of Rights appropriate and accessible?

Yes/No

If not, please indicate areas where it is not appropriate or accessible and suggest alternatives.

9. Is the wording used in the 'easy read' version of the Letter of Rights appropriate and accessible?

Yes/No

If not, please indicate areas where it is not appropriate or accessible and suggest alternatives.

10. Does the 'easy read' version meet the aims of making the information provided easier to understand and more accessible to those with differing levels of literacy or with learning difficulties/disabilities?

Yes/No

If not, why not?

11. Do the illustrations included in the 'easy read' version of the letter of Rights help support understanding of the content of the Letter?

Yes/No

If not, please clarify whether you feel that removing the illustrations or using alternative illustrations would better help support the understanding of the Letter.

12. Aside from providing the 'easy read' version, how would you suggest the Letter of Rights is made accessible to those with differing levels of literacy or with learning difficulties/disabilities?

13. Are there any further languages, in everyday use in Scotland, which you think the Letter of Rights should be made available in?

14. Do you have any other questions or comments on the accessibility of the Letter of Rights or the language used in the Letter?