Law Society of Scotland declares opposition to the death penalty

The Law Society of Scotland has added its voice to calls from humanitarian organisations and legal communities across the globe, declaring unequivocal opposition to capital punishment, on the 23^rd World Day against the Death Penalty, Friday 10 October.

As the professional body for Scottish solicitors, the Law Society is committed to upholding the rule of law and has a statutory duty to work in the public interest.

Patricia Thom, President of the Law Society of Scotland, said: “Given that public opinion on this contentious issue fluctuates over time and in response to changing social conditions and crime rates, it is vital that the justice system stands firm in its commitment to upholding the rule of law.  

“The right to life is a fundamental component of a civilized society which must be painstakingly protected.  The notion that execution should be used as a form of punishment contravenes the values upon which our justice system is built and flouts the ethics of the European Convention of Human Rights.

“The requirement to prove an accused person’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt is a high bar, but the Post Office Horizon case has underscored a difficult truth. Wrongful convictions may be rare, but they are a reality.

“With constant and rapid advances in science and technology, we cannot foresee what it might be possible to prove or disprove in the future and the irreversibility of the death penalty precludes any meaningful redress.

“Judicial institutions must not take risks with human life. It is imperative that legal communities across the globe unite in opposition to the principle of capital punishment."