8. The process of criminal evidence law reform in Scotland: what can we learn?

Abstract

This chapter analyses law reforms that have taken place in the field of criminal evidence in modern-day Scotland. It does so at a busy time in the law reform arena, with two recent projects having the potential to radically change the landscape of Scottish criminal evidence. The chapter charts the main law reform projects and their outcomes and, drawing on these experiences, identifies the lessons that might be learned. The focus is on three areas: the bodies that might undertake law reform projects and the strengths and weaknesses of each; how projects might best be selected by those bodies; and how success might best be evaluated.