The third verdict - which only exists in Scottish courts - is set to be scrapped under a new bill
Scottish courts are to scrap the country's not proven verdict, after years of ongoing debate over the "controversial" ruling.
It will also ensure lifelong anonymity for complainers of rape and sexual crimes, which is not currently enshrined in Scots law. If someone is found guilty, the jury are satisfied that enough evidence has been issued to prove the accused's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, resulting in a conviction. Top Trending Stories Today Judges have previously attempted to define these verdicts separately in cases, but this has resulted in court appeals on the grounds of misdirection.
But campaigners who've fought for it to be scrapped claim a not proven verdict can produce miscarriages of justice, due to its lack of clarity. In particular, the verdict has been heavily criticised in the use of rape and sexual offence trials.
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