Chamber and committees

Katy Clark would like to come in. I will bring in Professor Chalmers after her. We will then move on to another area of questioning, on criminal courts and reform.

I will bring in Professor Chalmers first. I think that Professor Burman is only on audio at the moment. I might be wrong, but we can start with Professor Chalmers.

Thank you. I am interested in your thoughts on the priorities for a victims commissioner, which we have been discussing in a wider context. I will bring in Kate Wallace and Mary Glasgow on this follow-up question. What should the priorities be from the perspective of the journey through the criminal justice system, particularly in respect of the experiences of children and young people? What should the priorities be with regard to supporting children and young people, not only as they navigate the criminal justice system, but to ensure that they avoid the system in the first place?

You have referred, rightly, to victims and witnesses. Should there be more of a focus on witnesses, in addition to victims, in the criminal justice system? If so, what should the priorities be with regard to ensuring that witnesses get the support that they require and access to the support options that they need?

That is helpful. As no other member has a general, opening question, we will move on to look at legislation. I will bring in Fulton MacGregor on that, to be followed by Rona Mackay.

That is fine. In that case, would you like to pick up the questioning on legislation, Ms Mackay?

I will ask a follow-up question about the practical aspect of release days. Do you have any comment on how appropriate it is for Friday to be a release day, given that, for example, some services might be closed over the weekend? Thinking about it in the context of victim support, should that arrangement continue?

Good morning and welcome to the fifth meeting of the Criminal Justice Committee. There are no apologies this morning.

Under item 1, do members agree to take in private item 5, which is consideration of today’s evidence?

Members indicated agreement.

I will bring in Tim Barraclough, as I think that he was quite keen to speak.

I would like to bring in Superintendent Convery, who I know is very interested in that.