Solicitors encouraged to submit views on hate crime legislation

Lord Bracadale, who was appointed in January this year by the Scottish government to conduct an independent review of hate crime legislation, has invited members of the legal profession and other interested parties to complete a short questionnaire by Friday, 12 May 2017.

The review will take around 12 months, during which time Lord Bracadale will seek to understand the true impact of hate crime on individuals and communities who have experienced hate crime and those who work with and apply the current legislation across Scotland.

The results of the survey will help to inform this understanding and provide the basis for any proposals for amendments to the existing laws.

The questionnaire can be accessed here and any queries can be addressed to Lord Bracadale’s team.

Ian Cruickshank, convener of the Law Society of Scotland Criminal Law Committee and a member of Lord Bracadale’s reference group, said: “Hate crimes are taking place in communities across Scotland and it is essential that we have fit for purpose legislation to assist in preventing and eradicating these types of crime.

“I would strongly encourage Scottish solicitors and members of the public to share their valuable insight by completing this short survey by the closing date 12 May”.