Chamber and committees

I have a question about the jury manual. In your evidence, you refer to the fact that juries are now specifically directed regarding rape myths. It is our understanding that a specific additional provision was inserted into the jury manual last year.

Are you aware whether any work has been done to look at or evaluate the impact of having that additional guidance in the manual?

A number of members want to come back in with supplementary questions, so we might have to work on for another five minutes or so, if that fits for you, Mr Brown.

I have a practical question. How many members does the association have at the moment?

John Swinney, do you want to come in with a supplementary question, or are you happy to wait?

Do people become members of the association on a voluntary basis?

Just for my understanding, can you outline the difference between the Scottish Solicitors Bar Association and local bar associations? What are their roles and functions?

John Swinney has a brief final question.

Good afternoon, and welcome to the sixth meeting in 2024 of the Criminal Justice Committee. We have apologies from Pauline McNeill.

I welcome Simon Brown, vice-president of the Scottish Solicitors Bar Association, and thank him for taking the time to attend today’s meeting, which is very much appreciated.

I will stay on the topic of rape myths and juries. You say in your submission that there is no evidence that juries act on those myths or that they fail to try the accused on the basis of the evidence presented. Will you please expand on why your members believe that to be the case? What evidence are you referring to?

I have a final question on rape myths. I am sure that your members have followed the evidence that the committee has taken on rape myths, not just in committee meetings but in written submissions and in research that we are aware of. A strong body of evidence appears to suggest that rape myths exist and are problematic. As you will understand, we are working with a broad church of views. Given the evidence that we have received—that there is such a thing as rape myths—what would be your members’ position on what the committee should consider in addressing that issue?