0h 27min, jan 1, 2026 y - Scotland: Not Proven Verdict Abolished

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Scotland’s not proven verdict has been abolished in all new criminal trials in Scotland from New Year’s Day.

The Scottish Government said the move will help create a clearer, fairer, and more transparent decision-making process.

From January 1, the jury majority required for a conviction will also change, moving from the current simple majority to at least two-thirds of the 15 jurors.

The remaining measures in the justice reform Bill will be implemented in phases, with Parliament updated as timescales are confirmed.

MSPs voted to back the measures as part of the “landmark” Bill back in September.

The Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform legislation passed with 71 to 46 votes and one abstention, introducing a series of measures to reform the justice system in Scotland.

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