http://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2025/12/section/64/enactedVictims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Act 2025King's Printer for Scotland2025-11-11 Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Act 2025s. 64The Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Act 2025 (Commencement No. 2 and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2026reg. 2 sch. Part 6 64 1 The 1995 Act is amended as follows. 2 After section 88 (plea of not guilty, balloting and swearing of jury, etc.) insert— 88A 1 This section applies where it appears to the court that a juror balloted in accordance with section 88(2) requires assistance with communication as a result of physical disability in order to participate effectively in the trial as a juror. 2 The court may, before the charge is read to the jury in accordance with section 88(5), appoint a person (a “juror’s communication supporter”) to provide that assistance to the juror. 3 More than one person may be appointed as a juror’s communication supporter in relation to a juror, and a juror’s communication supporter may be appointed in relation to more than one juror. 4 Where a juror’s communication supporter is appointed, the court must, before reading the charge to the jury, administer the oath to the supporter. 5 Where in the course of proceedings a juror’s communication supporter ceases, for whatever reason, to act as such, the court may appoint a person as a juror’s communication supporter in their place and subsection (3) applies in relation to such an appointment as it applies to an appointment under subsection (2). 6 The court must, as soon as reasonably practicable after a juror’s communication supporter is appointed under subsection (5), administer the oath to the supporter. 7 Before appointing a person as a juror’s communication supporter under this section, the court must give the prosecutor and the accused the opportunity to make representations. . 3 In section 99 (seclusion of jury to consider verdict)— a after subsection (2) insert— 2A Subsections (1) and (2) are subject to subsection (2B). 2B A juror’s communication supporter may— a be present with the jury while they are enclosed, b visit or communicate with a juror, and c accompany a juror who comes out of the jury room to receive or seek a direction, or to make a request for instruction or regarding any matter, as mentioned in subsection (2)(b). , b after subsection (7) insert— 8 In subsection (2B), a “juror’s communication supporter” has the meaning given by section 88A(2). .