EMMA RODDICK MSP WELCOMES FUND TO MAKE COURT TRANSCRIPTS FREELY AVAILABLE TO VICTIMS

Emma has welcomed the Scottish Government’s pilot scheme to improve access to justice, which will see victims of rape and serious sexual assault able to access transcripts from their court cases for free.

From the 1st of March 2024 to the 1st of March 2025, £100,000 of funding will enable complainers who have had their cases heard by the High Court to apply for the transcripts of what was said in their court cases free of charge.

Commenting on the pilot scheme, Emma said:

“For those victims in the Highlands & Islands, this pilot will greatly improve transparency and fairness in the process of achieving retribution.

“The introduction of this scheme would not have been possible without the campaigners from the Highlands & Islands region and the rest of Scotland, who have continued to push for greater fairness, transparency, and accountability in the process of achieving justice – something that can always be improved.

“This scheme, along with the proposed Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill, is designed to improve victims’ experience and increase confidence in the justice system.

“I am pleased to see the SNP Government prioritising the welfare of victims, continuing to remove barriers to justice for victims of sexual assault. I encourage all those in the Highlands & Islands to make use of this fund when needed.”

More information about the scheme here.