Sixty-two MSPs abstained, including six SNP members.

The bill proposes a pilot of juryless trials in rape cases and the abolition of the ‘not proven’ verdict.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance has said it is “landmark” legislation.

The Scottish Solicitors Bar Association said, however, that 97 per cent of defence lawyers would boycott juryless trials.

The ‘not proven’ verdict has attracted controversy due to the belief it is used by juries to acquit people whom they believe to be guilty but against whom there is a lack of evidence to convict.

The bill would also reduce juries in size from 15 to 12 – in line with other jurisdictions. This change is opposed by the lord advocate, however, on the basis it will make it more difficult to secure a convictions. Supporters of the move see it as compensation for the loss of ‘not proven’.

The bill now goes on for line-by-line scrutiny in committee.