Making the justice system better for victims: consultation - easy read
Easy read summary of proposals in our consultation on improving victims' experiences of the justice system.
Why some people think there should be a judge in serious sexual offence trials
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- people are more likely to be found guilty if there is a judge
![](/binaries/content/gallery/publications/consultation-paper/2022/06/making-justice-system-better-victims2/SCT06222575161_g72.jpg)
This might be because of what jurors think about sexual crimes.
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- jurors sometimes do not understand important legal issues that often come up in serious sexual offence cases
- jurors might believe 'rape myths'.
![](/binaries/content/gallery/publications/consultation-paper/2022/06/making-justice-system-better-victims2/SCT06222575161_g74.jpg)
A myth is something that is not true.
![](/binaries/content/gallery/publications/consultation-paper/2022/06/making-justice-system-better-victims2/SCT06222575161_g75.jpg)
Jurors might believe ideas that it was the woman's fault that she was raped.
![](/binaries/content/gallery/publications/consultation-paper/2022/06/making-justice-system-better-victims2/SCT06222575161_g76.jpg)
- some judges have had court cases where there was enough evidence to convict the accused but the jury did not find them guilty
- juries might not understand how trauma can affect a victim
- serious sexual offence cases can be upsetting for jurors
- a trial without a jury will take less time
![](/binaries/content/gallery/publications/consultation-paper/2022/06/making-justice-system-better-victims2/SCT06222575161_g77.jpg)
This is better for the victim and will help trials to be done more quickly.
- judges have to give reasons for their decision – juries do not have to
Contact
Email: victimsconsultation@gov.scot
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