Following approval by the Criminal Courts Rules Council, the High Court has made the Act of Adjournal (Criminal Procedure Rules 1996 Amendment) (Witness Citations in Solemn Proceedings) 2023 (S.S.I. 2023/276). The Act of Adjournal amends the solemn witness citation forms and the accompanying information sheet.
The new forms contain more accessible language and explain what steps a witness must take if they are unwell on the day of trial or if they are concerned about attending court. Witnesses are provided with the details of a named point of contact and there is information regarding extra support and special measures which may be available when giving evidence.
The forms were created following detailed consideration by the Criminal Courts Rules Council with input from the judiciary, Victim Support Scotland, Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service, the Crown Office and Procurator Service, the defence bar and the Scottish Government.
The new forms will be in use from 1 November 2023.