Stuart Murray, vice president of the Scottish Solicitors Bar Association, says lawyers have been "ignored" by the Scottish government
It would see anyone accused of rape or attempted rape stand trial before a single judge or sheriff, who would decide whether or not they are guilty. "There are more votes within the various bar associations across the country in the next week or so. I've no doubt it will be effectively unanimous across the bar associations."The lawyer said he hoped the boycott would put an end to the scheme, but said he could not say for certain because the Scottish government was "so unpredictable".
He said: "That's a slightly disingenuous point. Those trials are lower level, consist mainly of minor assaults, shoplifting, cases that are far less serious than cases involving sexual offences." Justice Secretary Angela Constance said she was "determined to proceed in partnership" with lawyers, adding it was "quite simply not true" that the government has ignored the legal profession."There is international evidence, 50-plus studies most of which have taken place in the past 20 years, that demonstrates the diversity of juries does not overcome unfair influences," the minister said.
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