‘Compatibility issues’ review is published

Appeals to the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom (UKSC) should not require certification by the High Court of Justiciary that the issue raises a point of law of general public importance, a review chaired by the Lord Justice General has concluded.

The Review Group has published its report following a consultation on the practice and procedure relating to “compatibility issues” arising in criminal proceedings in Scotland.

The Scotland Act 2012 (sections 34 to 37) made several significant changes to criminal procedure in Scotland, including the introduction of compatibility issues and changes to the right of appeal to the UK Supreme Court.

A compatibility issue is a question, in criminal proceedings, of whether a public authority has acted unlawfully under the Human Rights Act, or in a way that is incompatible with EU law; or whether an Act of the Scottish Parliament is incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights or EU law.

A review of these amendments was required by section 38 of the 2012 Act, and the Secretary of State for Scotland invited the Lord Justice General, Lord Carloway, to chair this review.

The Review Group gathered views on the practice and procedure relating to compatibility issues in criminal proceedings in Scotland and has now issued its recommendations and conclusions.

Summary of conclusions:

• The amendments made by the 2012 Act have reduced the burden that was placed on the Scottish criminal courts by the previous law and practice.
• An appeal to the UKSC on a compatibility issue should not require certification by the High Court that the issue raises a point of law of general public importance.
• There is merit in a single procedure through which an individual may challenge legislation on Convention or EU grounds. Such challenges should continue to be defined as a ‘compatibility issue’ and be subject to compatibility issue procedure.
• The Criminal Courts Rules Council should consider the extent to which amendment of Chapter 40 of the Criminal Procedure Rules is required in order to set out clearly the matters that must be specified in compatibility and devolution minutes.
• Applications for permission to appeal against a decision to refuse leave to appeal to either the Sheriff Appeal Court or the High Court should remain possible.
• The existing appeal time limits are appropriate and should not be amended.
• Law officers should not be required to seek permission to appeal to the UKSC against the determination of a compatibility issue referred to the High Court under section 288ZB(2) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995.


Click here to access the review