Scottish Lawyers Question Wisdom of Scrapping Historic ‘Not Proven’ Verdict

Rape complainant welcomes Sturgeon's decision

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks at a press conference to launch a second independence paper at Bute House in Edinburgh, Scotland, on July 14, 2022. Andrew Milligan - Pool/Getty Images

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has pledged to scrap the verdict of “not proven,” which is unique to Scotland and dates back to the 17th century.

But the Law Society of Scotland said it was “deeply concerned” about the announcement and Thomas Ross, QC, a defence advocate in Glasgow, told The Epoch Times the evidence used to justify the decision did not stack up.