Petitioner: Laura Hunter
Status:
Closed
Date Lodged:
26 October 2018
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to review the use of soul and conscience letters in criminal proceedings and to produce guidance for the courts and GP practices on the use of these letters, including alternatives to court appearances if an accused person is deemed unfit to attend in person.
Summary:
6 December 2018: The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government, the Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service, the British Medical Association (Scotland) and the Law Society of Scotland. Link to the Official Report 6 December 2018
6 June 2019: The Committee agreed to write to the British Medical Association Scotland. It also agreed to write to the petitioner to seek their views in relation to the written submissions received to date. Link to Official Report of Meeting 6 June 2019
5 December 2019: The Committee agreed to write to the Scottish Government. Link to Official Report of Meeting 5 December 2019
10 September 2020: The Committee agreed to write to the General Medical Council. Link to Official Report of Meeting 10 September 2020
25 November 2020: The Committee agreed to close the petition under Rule 15.7 of Standing Orders on the basis that supporting guidance is available from the General Medical Council Scotland to assist doctors writing soul and conscience letters, and the British Medical Association Scotland and the Scottish Government have indicated that no concerns have been raised about the quality of guidance regarding the writing of soul and conscience letters. Link to Official Report of Meeting 25 November 2020
Written Submissions:
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