Hate crime questionnaire offered by Bracadale review
Solicitors and members of the public are being encouraged to submit their views on hate crime legislation in Scotland.
Lord Bracadale, appointed in January this year by the Scottish Government to conduct an independent review of the legislation, has invited members of the legal profession and other interested parties to complete a short questionnaire by Friday, 12 May 2017.
The review will take around 12 months, during which time Lord Bracadale will seek to understand the true impact of hate crime on individuals and communities who have experienced hate crime and those who work with and apply the current legislation across Scotland.
The results of the survey will help to inform this understanding and provide the basis for any proposals for amendments to the existing laws.
Ian Cruickshank, convener of the Law Society of Scotland's Criminal Law Committee and a member of Lord Bracadale’s reference group, commented: “Hate crimes are taking place in communities across Scotland and it is essential that we have fit for purpose legislation to assist in preventing and eradicating these types of crime. I would strongly encourage Scottish solicitors and members of the public to share their valuable insight by completing this short survey by the closing date, 12 May.”