Making the justice system better for victims: consultation - easy read

Review of defence statements

An accused is a person who is charged with committing a crime.

If the accused says they did not commit the crime then there will be a trial.

The accused has to tell the court what their defence is before the trial happens.

This is called a defence statement.

The Scottish Government has been told that:

• there should be a review of the rules about defence statements
• defence statements are often sent to the court too late
• there is not enough information in defence statements

The Scottish Government would like to know if you think there should be a review of defence statements.