MAP Forum

Much of the coverage of the Scottish Government's landmark Victims and Witnesses Bill has focused on its proposal to scrap the not proven verdict and the controversy over its plans for a juryless trials for serious sexual offences which were dropped after an outcry from lawyers and opposition including among SNP MSPs in Holyrood.

But with the mammoth piece of legislation expected to pass its final parliamentary stage tomorrow, it is worth examining one of its aspects which has been discussed much less, the plan to set up a dedicated court for sexual offences.

Supporters say it would help reduce long waits for a case to come to court and also create a better court culture for complainers to give evidence and be cross examined.

A landmark ruling by the UK Supreme Court could trigger multiple legal challenges by men convicted of sexual offences in Scotland.

Five judges have ruled that Scotland's courts have taken an approach to evidence which risks depriving a defendant of their right to a fair trial.

The Supreme Court had been considering the case of two men, David Daly and Andrew Keir, who were appealing against convictions for rape.

The court dismissed their appeals and said they had received fair trials – but ruled that Scotland's courts should change their approach to the admission of evidence in such cases.