“Trial by jury is one of the great principles of our Scottish justice system. It has stood the test of time for hundreds of years through good times and bad. Now with almost zero consultation this is to be abandoned for up to 18months. This is not something which should be rushed into. There is no need to. Trials are routinely being adjourned for months ahead at present. Great care and careful consideration should be taken before we throw away one of the great bastions of our justice system in Scotland. Additionally, the Bill drives a wrecking ball through other fundamental principles of our law. We face trial by police statement and extension by 6 months of remand in prison. All of this needs to be properly considered and without such great haste when there is no imminent need”
