How has the SNP reformed Scotland’s justice system

As the Scottish Government the SNP has introduced significant reforms – described as some of the most important since devolution – through the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill. This legislation puts victims and witnesses at the centre of Scotland’s justice system.

Key goals of the reform the legislation aims to create a justice system that is more effective, more supportive of victims, and better adapted to people affected by complex trauma. It has been shaped with direct input from victims, survivors, families, and support organisations, making it a collaboratively designed reform.

Major changes included abolition of the Not Proven verdict to increase fairness, clarity and transparency to improve decision‑making in criminal trials.

We created a National Sexual Offences Court, a new specialist court with nationwide jurisdiction to handle cases involving serious sexual offences ensuring these cases are dealt with by expert judges and tailored procedures.

We also created a new Independent Victims and Witnesses Commissioner to champion the rights of victims and witnesses and ensure they are treated with compassion and have a stronger voice within the justice system.

The Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill has also been passed. It supports the Government’s aim to build effective, sustainable public services and a better justice‑system experience for all users.

Many of its provisions have already been in operation since 2020 and are now well‑embedded in justice processes. These changes mean increased efficiency, reduced system costs.

These reforms have the backing by key justice partners like the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service.