Justice in the dock

Having been involved with the Scottish criminal justice system for something over 50 years, I have never been happy with the two verdicts of acquittal.

A jury is directed that the Crown has to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt and that the accused is presumed innocent until proved to be guilty. To have two possible verdicts of acquittal is irrational.

However, in my opinion, it is the not guilty verdict which should go. Ideally a jury

should be directed to return a verdict either of ‘proven’ or ‘not proven’.

Another change in the jury system which is crying out for reform is the majority verdict. An accused can be convicted if eight out of a jury of 15 vote for a guilty verdict. How can it be said that guilt has been proved beyond a reasonable doubt when seven of the jury are not satisfied? I suggest that at least ten votes should be required for a conviction.

Being a bit of a cynic, I am not sure that either of these suggested reforms is likely to see the light of day in my lifetime!

ALASTAIR L STEWART Albany Road, Broughty Ferry,

Dundee