Scotland’s justice Act 2025: what changes now
Today, 30 October 2025, Scotland’s Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform Act becomes law after receiving Royal Assent. The Bill was introduced on 25 April 2023 and passed its final vote on 17 September 2025 by 71 votes to 46. If you teach Modern Studies, Law or journalism, this is a prime case study: verdicts, juries, victims’ rights and court practice all shift from today.
First change most people will notice: the ‘not proven’ verdict is gone. From now on, juries and judges return only ‘guilty’ or ‘not guilty’. Campaigners said ‘not proven’ confused jurors and left survivors in limbo; MSPs agreed to remove it as part of this Act. What it means: verdicts are clearer for everyone following a trial.
Jury rules change too. Juries remain at 15 members, but a conviction now needs at least two‑thirds in favour rather than a simple majority. In practice, that means 10 of 15 (or 14) jurors, 9 of 13, or 8 of 12, depending on how many remain by the end of a trial. What it means: jurors will need broader agreement before they can convict.
The Act embeds trauma‑informed practice across the system. Agencies such as Police Scotland, the Crown Office, courts, prisons and the Parole Board are expected to work with people in ways that recognise trauma, avoid avoidable harm and help victims and witnesses give their best evidence. In class, you can compare this with trauma‑aware approaches in schools or healthcare.
Scotland now has an independent Victims and Witnesses Commissioner. The Commissioner’s role is to promote rights and interests, engage with victims and support services, and monitor compliance with the Victims’ Code and standards of service. Think of this office as a public champion that researches, reports and recommends system changes; it is not there to run individual cases.
Serious sexual offences will be heard in a new specialist Sexual Offences Court. Judges, prosecutors and defence will require approved training. The court will encourage earlier, pre‑recorded evidence and careful ‘ground rules’ for questioning so that complainers can give their best evidence. What it means: fewer stressful appearances and clearer case management in the most sensitive cases.
Victims of specified sexual offences gain automatic, lifelong anonymity. Publishing names, images or details likely to identify a complainer becomes a criminal offence. If you teach media or run a student paper, treat this as a live law change: practise writing copy that informs the public without identifying individuals.
Complainers in sexual offence cases also get an automatic right to independent legal representation when the defence asks to raise sexual history or character. In rape and serious sexual offence cases, complainers will have a right to free transcripts of proceedings. What it means: the court hears from a lawyer whose job is to protect the complainer’s rights, not to prosecute or defend the accused.
Victims’ information rights are strengthened. A new legal framework brings the Victim Notification and Victim Information schemes together, allows a supporter or nominated person to receive updates, and creates a dedicated contact team to provide clearer, personalised information. This is a useful public‑policy example of simplifying services around people’s needs.
In civil justice, more people will be treated as ‘deemed vulnerable’ and can use screens, live‑link and a supporter not just when giving evidence but at other hearings too. Courts can also prevent a party from personally conducting their case where that would risk distress or unfairness. What it means: protective measures are available earlier and more widely, not only at trial.
Two practical jury changes matter for classrooms and courtrooms. Judges can appoint a trained communication supporter to help a juror participate effectively. And-under strict safeguards-researchers can now study how juries make decisions with permission from the Lord Justice General. What it means: Scotland can build better evidence about juries while supporting inclusion.
Not everything changes at once. Ministers will bring different parts of the Act into force in stages, and justice bodies will update guidance and training. A simple timeline helps learners: 25 April 2023 (Bill introduced), 17 September 2025 (Bill passed), 30 October 2025 (Royal Assent). Set a ‘what it means for…’ task for a victim, a juror and a reporter to test understanding.