1.—(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Vulnerable Witnesses (Criminal Evidence) (Scotland) Act 2019 (Commencement No. 1 and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2019 and come into force on 20 January 2020.
(2) In these Regulations, “the Act” means the Vulnerable Witnesses (Criminal Evidence) (Scotland) Act 2019.
2.—(1) 20 January 2020 is the day appointed for the coming into force of the provisions of the Act specified in column 1 of the table in the schedule (the subject matter of which is described in the corresponding entry in column 2).
(2) Where a purpose is specified in an entry in column 3 of the table, the provision specified in the corresponding entry in column 1 comes into force only for that purpose.
3. Section 1 of the Act applies only—
(a)where any accused in the proceedings first appears on petition on or after 20 January 2020, or
(b)where no accused appears on petition, the indictment is served on any accused in the proceedings on or after 20 October 2020.
4.—(1) Section 5(2) and (3) of the Act apply only where a commissioner is appointed on or after 20 January 2020.
(2) Section 5(6) of the Act applies only where section 1 applies by virtue of regulation 3.
HUMZA YOUSAF
A member of the Scottish Government
St Andrew’s House,
Edinburgh
14th November 2019