Faculty to stage rape complainer representation debate

A debate exploring whether complainers in rape cases should have their own lawyer in court is to be held by the Faculty of Advocates in association with Rape Crisis Scotland.

The issue to be discussed will be: "This house believes that prosecution in the public interest cannot deliver justice to rape complainers unless they have independent representation."

The event will be chaired by Gordon Jackson QC, Dean of Faculty, while the speakers in favour of the motion are Simon Di Rollo QC and Professor Peter Duff of Aberdeen University Law School, and those against are Murdo Macleod QC and Clare Connelly, advocate.

Sandy Brindley, of Rape Crisis Scotland, commented: "We are delighted to work with the Faculty to organise this timely and important debate. Sexual offences now account for the vast majority of High Court trials, but convictions for rape and attempted rape are lower than for any other crime type. Significant concerns exist about the impact of the justice process on complainers. This debate will explore potential ways forward in our approach to sexual crime in Scotland."

To obtain a ticket for the free event, which takes place at 6pm on Wednesday 28 November in the Laigh Hall, Parliament House, go to this link.