Evidence, Procedure and Fairness in Scottish Criminal Justice

Accused.scot publishes source-led analysis of Scottish criminal justice procedure, including findings obtained through Freedom of Information requests.

We examine how evidential rules, disclosure, trial safeguards, and procedural practice operate across Scottish criminal cases.

Articles draw on court judgments, legal sources, parliamentary material, and verified public records.

What Scotland Still Does Not Properly Measure

What Scotland Cannot Properly Measure About False Allegations A look at the systemic asymmetry in Scottish criminal justice data recording, where the administrative structures surrounding allegation remain visible, while the metrics for tracking proven fabrications…

No Equality Assessment for Scotland’s Transcript Scheme

No Assessment, No Disclosure A Freedom of Information response confirms that no formal Equality Impact Assessment was carried out before the introduction of Scotland’s complainer transcript scheme, while legal advice on its compatibility with fair trial rights and…

When Access to Justice Depends on the Balance Sheet

When Access to Justice Depends on the Balance Sheet Internal Scottish Government material released under Freedom of Information law shows that concerns about affordability and access to justice were being raised throughout a court fee consultation at the same time as…

The Terminology Debate They Didn’t Publish.

The Terminology Debate They Didn’t Publish Internal Scottish Government material released under Freedom of Information law reveals that officials, senior legal stakeholders, and parliamentary representatives explicitly debated whether the use of the word “victim”…

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What is Section 275

Section 275 is one of the least understood and most consequential parts of Scottish criminal procedure.

This explainer sets out what the law is meant to do, how admissibility decisions are made in practice, and why the way evidence is filtered before trial can have serious implications for fairness, particularly for the accused.

The Miscarriages of Justice Organisation

The Miscarriages of Justice Organisation (MOJO) supports individuals who maintain their innocence after conviction, including those in custody and after release.

Visit MOJO for more information

Support, Information, and Video Resources

If you are navigating allegations, investigations, or the criminal justice process, you may find these external resources helpful. Our links page brings together organisations, information sites, and explanatory video material.

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JIMS – Justice for Innocent Men Scotland

JIMS is dedicated to supporting men in Scotland who have been falsely accused of SO crimes. Our focus is on the lack of fair trials in these cases, and our campaign is centred around fighting for justice, transparency, and much needed reform in the legal system.

VISIT JIMS FOR MORE INFORMATION

Next Chapter Scotland

We support people and families affected by criminal records or investigations.

We help with practical issues like money, work, disclosure and stigma, offering clear, honest and non-judgmental guidance, training and support.

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Scottish Legal Complaints Commission

The first point of contact for all complaints about lawyers in Scotland. If you feel you’ve had inadequate service or are unhappy about the way a lawyer has behaved you can get in touch with us. We’re an independent body and our service is free.

VISIT SLCC FOR MORE INFORMATION