Inclusive justice

Briefing for the 2021 Scottish Parliament election: our recommendations about the justice system

We believe that all parties should commit to these policy priorities for the 2021 to 2026 session of the Scottish Parliament:

• Scottish courts and tribunals, and their working practices should be accessible to all. The system must be designed around the needs of its users to ensure that everyone, including disabled people, can participate. User needs, including needs of accused people, must be consistently identified and reasonable adjustments made.
• Building capacity in the criminal justice system. A growing backlog of cases, made worse by the pandemic, has negative implications for both victims and accused. Delayed access to justice may have particularly significant impacts on women and children who have experienced domestic abuse. We must also recognise the needs and wellbeing of staff in our courts.