Seòmar agus comataidhean

I thank the cabinet secretary and her officials for attending.

That concludes the public part of our meeting. We will now move into private session.

I do not know that the committee has been made aware of that research. The clerks are looking at it just now, and we will ensure that it is circulated to members.

We will move on to part 6 of the bill, which contains the proposals for a pilot of juryless trials. As usual, I will kick off our questions.

Cabinet secretary, you will be aware of the concerns that have been raised about the proposed pilot of rape trials without juries. For example, the Faculty of Advocates has indicated that it strongly opposes such a pilot, stating that the rights of the accused would be compromised, and the Scottish Solicitors Bar Association has said that it will not take part. I am interested in your response to the concerns that have been expressed, and in whether you have had an opportunity for any engagement or discussions with some of the bodies that have been particularly opposed to the proposal.

We have had a long session, so I will move on to the other parts of part 6, on lifelong anonymity for survivors and independent legal representation.

Mr Brown is here to answer questions on the SSBA’s views on the pilot for juryless trials. I intend to allow up to 50 minutes for that, which will be our main focus today.

I have a couple of questions about the proposal to pilot juryless trials. Please outline your main reasons for opposing the provisions in the bill that would lead to a pilot of rape trials without juries. When I say “you”, I am referring to the association and to its position.

I will have to move on and come back to you, Mr Swinney, if we have time.

I will bring in Sharon Dowey.

Thank you. I will bring in members now.

I have a question about the jury manual. In your evidence, you refer to the fact that juries are now specifically directed regarding rape myths. It is our understanding that a specific additional provision was inserted into the jury manual last year.

Are you aware whether any work has been done to look at or evaluate the impact of having that additional guidance in the manual?