Minutes: 04 December 2024

1. Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill:

The Committee took evidence on the Scottish Government’s intentions in relation to Stage 2 of the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill from—

Kate Wallace, Chief Executive Officer, Victim Support Scotland;

Sandy Brindley, Chief Executive, Rape Crisis Scotland;

and then from—

Stuart Munro, Criminal Law Committee Convener, Law Society of Scotland;

Simon Brown, President, Scottish Solicitors Bar Association;

Michael Meehan KC, Faculty of Advocates.

Liam Kerr declared an interest as a practising solicitor regulated by the Law Society of Scotland.

Ben Macpherson indicated that he is registered with the Law Society of Scotland's roll of Scottish solicitors.

2. Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill (In Private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 1.