Justice Secretary will publish a paper today
(25 April) setting out the Scottish Government's policy proposals
for the justice system in an independent Scotland.
The paper will outline what these proposals would mean for
aspects of the justice system that are currently devolved, as
well as those that are currently or partially reserved to the UK
Government, such as tribunals and drug law reform.
It is also expected to cover how an independent Scotland would
play its role in cross-border justice issues including
counter-terrorism, cybercrime and serious organised crime.
Ms Constance said:
“This next paper in the Building a New Scotland series will set
out how independence would enable us to take more focused and
creative action to address some of the most challenging justice
issues facing our society.
“With the power to take our own decisions in currently reserved
areas such as drugs and gambling, we could shift the focus to
prevention, early intervention and rehabilitation, in keeping
with our person-centred approach to justice.
“Independence would enable Scotland to represent itself on the
international stage with a seat at the table at the Council of
Europe, United Nations and Interpol. This paper will also
set out how an independent Scotland could be an open, engaged and
positive international justice partner, with regained access to
cross-border tools like the Schengen Information System and the
European Arrest Warrant, which were lost following Brexit.
“Scotland has long had its own legal and justice system. We have
many strengths and successes to build on and I look forward to
setting out how independence would enable us to take the
decisions required to deliver fair and effective justice in an
independent Scotland.”
Background
Building a New
Scotland series
