Petitioner: Alan McLean
Status:
Closed
Date Lodged:
27 March 2015
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to consider the need for trial judges have the power to refer jury verdicts to the High Court of Judiciary in the event the judge believes the verdict to be perverse (e.g. Irrational, unsupported, unbelievable).
Summary:
28 April 2015: The Committee took evidence from Alan McLean and Steve Keicher, campaigner. The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government, the Scottish Human Rights Commission, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Faculty of Advocates, Judges of the High Court of Justiciary, the Law Society of Scotland and the Sheriffs' Association. Link to Official Report 28 April 2015
Below: Alan McLean and Steve Keicher at the meeting on 28 April 2015
23 June 2015: The Committee agreed to close the petition, under Rule 15.7, on the basis that the petition proposes a fundamental change to the law which could undermine the role of the jury. Link to Official Report 23 June 2015
Written Submissions:
Associated Correspondence
Following the closure of petition PE1562, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice wrote to the Committee on 2 September 2015. The Cabinet Secretary's letter is published below:
• Should Judges have the power to provide additional guidance to jury’s who are undecided?
• Do we have enough control measures within the current Justice system?
• We require equal rights and continuity for victims and offenders within the current Justice system, do you think that the Perverse Acquittal will provide support for victims?