Vulnerable Witnesses (Criminal Evidence) (Scotland) Act 2019 Explanatory Notes

1. Introduction

2. The Act

   1. Child witnesses

      1. Section 1 – Child witnesses in certain solemn cases

         1. Inserted section 271BZA (Child witnesses in certain solemn cases: special measures)

         2. Inserted section 271BZB (Child witnesses in certain solemn cases: modifications of section 271A)

         3. Inserted section 271BZC (Child witnesses in certain solemn cases: modifications of section 271D)

      2. Section 2 – Child witnesses under the age of 12

   2. Deemed vulnerable witnesses

      1. Section 3 – Deemed vulnerable witnesses in certain solemn cases

   3. Review of arrangements for taking evidence

      1. Section 4 - Review of arrangements for vulnerable witnesses

   4. Taking evidence by commissioner

      1. Section 5 – Taking evidence by commissioner

   5. Notification procedure for standard special measures

      1. Section 6 – Using only standard special measures

   6. Timeframes for vulnerable witness notices

      1. Section 7 – Timeframe for considering vulnerable witness notice

      2. Section 8 – Vulnerable witness notice: lodging deadline

   7. Reporting requirement

      1. Section 9 – Report on operation of sections 1 and 5

   8. General

      1. Section 10 – Consequential amendments

      2. Section 11 – Ancillary provision

      3. Section 12 - Commencement

3. Parliamentary History

4. ANNEX SECTIONS 271 TO 271M OF THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (SCOTLAND) ACT 1995 AS AMENDED BY THE ACT