Corroboration in Rape cases

[IlianaDupree]

Does anybody know anything about corroboration in rape cases?

I think it's a scottish law and there are proposals to change it. I'm not legally minded so don't understand it and can't make an informed opinion on.

Can anyone explain it to me in really simple terms.

Your help is very much appreciated

The general gist is Scots law requires evidence to be corroborated in criminal cases from two different sources. In his review Lord Carloway recommended the abolition of corroboration because of the difficulties in prosecuting sexual and DV crimes.

The judiciary, the Faculty of Advocates and the Law Society of Scotland all oppose the the removal of corroboration in the Criminal Justice Bill, because they believe it's a change to fundamental elements of the system and endangers the rights of suspects to a fair trial.

Another consultation is being held by the Scottish Government until next month to consider what additional safeguards would require to be put in place should corroboration be abolished.

The consultation document is available here;

www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/12/4628/2

Thankyou