Double Jeopardy (Scotland) Act 2011

Double Jeopardy (Scotland) Act 2011

2011 asp 16

Commentary on Sections

Exceptions to rule against double jeopardy: common provisions

Section 6 Further provision about prosecutions by virtue of sections 2, 3 and 4

33. This section contains technical provisions which apply to new prosecutions brought by virtue of sections 2, 3 and 4. Some of these provisions are modelled upon section 119 (provision where High Court authorises new prosecution) of the 1995 Act. Subsection (2) provides that any fresh prosecution is not prevented by virtue of time bars applicable to the original prosecution elapsing. Where authority to prosecute has been granted, however, the new prosecution must commence within 2 months of the grant of that authority (subsections (3) and (5)).

34. Subsections (6), (7) and (8) provide that the accused may be detained in custody or granted bail in relation to the fresh prosecution. However, the general time limits usually applicable to criminal prosecutions would then apply anew.

35. Subsection (9) allows the court to hear evidence relating to other charges in the original indictment or complaint which have already been disposed of at the original trial. The wording of subsections (9) and (10) has been modelled on section 119(6) and (7) of the 1995 Act which apply to retrial proceedings which have been allowed following the quashing of a conviction on appeal. This provision in the 1995 Act was introduced to address difficulties which had arisen in previous cases to ensure that the court is not prevented from hearing all relevant evidence at a retrial where the accused had been acquitted or convicted of a different but related charge at the original trial.

36. Subsection (10) places a requirement on the prosecutor to identify evidence that he or she intends to lead under subsection (9). This ensures that fair notice is given to the accused of the prosecution case.

37. Subsection (11) provides that where a fresh prosecution takes place, the maximum sentence is limited to that which could have been imposed at the time the offence to which it relates was committed.