Scottish Government pilot to improve victims' experiences of the criminal justice system
Published: 7 April 2025
Victims in rape and attempted rape cases will be able to access free independent legal advice as part of a new Scottish Government-funded pilot, which will be based at the Emma Ritch Law Clinic.
Victims in rape and attempted rape cases will be able to access free independent legal advice as part of a new Scottish Government-funded pilot.
This will give victims access to an experienced court practitioner who will help them to understand their rights and feel more prepared for giving evidence.
The service will be delivered by the Emma Ritch Law Clinic, which is based at the University of Glasgow’s School of Law.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance announced the pilot at the Scottish Parliament’s Criminal Justice Committee during Stage Two scrutiny of the Scottish Government’s Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Bill.
Mr Eamon Keane and Professor Jacqueline Kinghan, Co-Directors of the Emma Ritch Law Clinic, commented: “The proposed pilot represents a significant and welcome investment in the work that is undertaken at the Emma Ritch Law Clinic at the University of Glasgow. We know from first-hand experience the difference that independent legal advice can make to survivors of sexual violence. All involved in the criminal justice system deserve to understand their legal rights and lawyers have a vital role to play in helping to protect those rights.
“We look forward to working together over the coming years with the Faculty of Advocates and partners on this innovative project.”
Speaking after the Committee session, the Justice Secretary said: “The pilot will provide free specialist independent legal advice by dedicated solicitors for complainers in rape and attempted rape cases, utilising the expert Emma Ritch Law Clinic at the University of Glasgow. It will provide access, where desired, to an independent experienced court practitioner who will help victims to understand their rights and assist them in feeling more prepared for giving evidence. This support will be available right through the prosecution process and beyond if needed.
“The pilot is part of the Scottish Government’s wider work, including proposals being taken forward through the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Bill, to improve victims’ experiences of the criminal justice system. An advisory group will be set up to help develop the pilot and more details will be available in due course.”
Rape Crisis Scotland Chief Executive Sandy Brindley said: “The proposal for this pilot was developed jointly by Rape Crisis Scotland and the Faculty of Advocates. We are delighted that the Scottish Government has agreed to support it. Far too many rape survivors tell us that they feel ill-informed and unprepared for giving evidence in court. Providing independent legal advice, and access to an experienced court practitioner to answer any questions they have, could make a profound difference to survivors’ experience of seeking justice after being raped.”
Faculty of Advocates Vice Dean Tony Lenehan KC said: “The Faculty of Advocates welcomes the ILA pilot. This bold innovation by the Scottish Government will improve the experience of vulnerable and anxious witnesses and complainers as they navigate our criminal justice system, enhancing their understanding of the processes involved, maximising their engagement, and yielding greater satisfaction with how they are treated within it.”
The Emma Ritch Law Clinic provides independent legal representation to complainers in sexual violence cases. Emma Ritch was a pioneering Scottish women's rights campaigner who sadly passed away in 2021. She graduated from the University of Glasgow and the work of the clinic seeks to honour her memory.
First published: 7 April 2025
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