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.
Review of defence statements
![](/binaries/content/gallery/publications/consultation-paper/2022/06/making-justice-system-better-victims2/SCT06222575161_g40.jpg)
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.
![](/binaries/content/gallery/publications/consultation-paper/2022/06/making-justice-system-better-victims2/SCT06222575161_g41.jpg)
The accused has to tell the court what their defence is before the trial happens.
This is called a defence statement.
![](/binaries/content/gallery/publications/consultation-paper/2022/06/making-justice-system-better-victims2/SCT06222575161_g42.jpg)
The Scottish Government has been told that:
![](/binaries/content/gallery/publications/consultation-paper/2022/06/making-justice-system-better-victims2/SCT06222575161_g43.jpg)
- 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
![](/binaries/content/gallery/publications/consultation-paper/2022/06/making-justice-system-better-victims2/SCT06222575161_g44.jpg)
The Scottish Government would like to know if you think there should be a review of defence statements.
Contact
Email: victimsconsultation@gov.scot
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