Shaun’s Law is a plan for justice

SHAUN’S Law – a common sense bid to improve Scotland’s justice process – has taken a significant stride closer to becoming reality.

Primarily, that is down to the resolve of the family left behind to mourn slain young father Shaun Woodburn.

They came up with a coherent, reasoned argument to reduce the number of postmortems that can be carried out on the victim’s body in a criminal case.

It was a measured and dignified proposal which continued to afford equal respect to both defence and prosecution.

At its heart was a double request: To accord the utmost respect to the deceased and to reduce the time families have to wait before being reunited with lost loved ones.

There could be little surprise when politicians lent it their backing. Kezia Dugdale took up the family’s case and the Scottish Government responded positively.

Now it seems the legal fraternity are on side. Scotland’s chief prosecutor James Wolffe, a decent and honourable man, has set the wheels in motion for the various agencies of law to formulate a plan for change.

The spotlight is now on them to deliver and they should be inspired and encouraged in their endeavours.

Changing long-established protocols is always difficult, particularly when several – often opposing – views have to be considered.

But for those masters of their profession wrestling with the task, the cards are firmly stacked in their favour.

Our political leaders will give them a fair wind. The public, as evidenced by support for the Woodburn campaign, will thank them.

And Shaun’s family can take comfort from having achieved a lasting legacy for good from their loss.