The Justice Committee looked into the role of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson announces move to pardon men who were convicted of same-sex offences before laws against homosexuality were scrapped, during topical questions
The Scottish government led a debate entitled ‘Building a Fairer Scotland – It takes all of us’
The member’s debate focused on the volunteers who keep our train stations clean and lovely, by adopting a station
Sandy Brindley from Rape Crisis Scotland
Sandy Brindley from Rape Crisis Scotland says there has been a "significant improvement in dealing with sexual offences with specialisation".
Justice Committee Convener Margaret Mitchell gets proceedings underway by introducing:
Image source, SCOTTISH COURT SERVICEThe effectiveness of Scotland's prosecution service has come under scrutiny following concerns about workload and budget pressures.
The Justice Committee is taking evidence on the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) today.
It will examine how efficient the organisation is, and whether it has the resources it needs.
It will also look at how it supports witnesses and crime victims.
The probe comes after members of the Scottish Parliament's previous justice committee raised concerns over pressures facing COPFS, including a rise in complex cases.
The Justice Committee, external will shortly take evidence on the role and purpose of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, external.
Image source, PAMSPs will hear first from:
We have opted for the Justice Committee as it looks into the role of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, external.
The first group of witnesses includes Rape Crisis Scotland, Scottish Women’s Aid and Victim Support Scotland.
A number of lawyers and the Law Society of Scotland will then give their perspective on how to improve the service.
Image source, COPFSAfter topical questions, the Scottish government will lead a debate entitled ‘Building a Fairer Scotland – It takes all of us’.
The member’s debate focuses on the volunteers who keep our train stations clean and lovely, by adopting a station.
Good morning and welcome back to Holyrood Live's coverage of the Scottish Parliament, on 25 October 2016.
Image source, Getty Images/Tom Wang 112The holiday is over now for MSPs and its back to work for all
The holidays are over and now its time for the MSPs to get back to work at Holyrood and for us to bring you our extensive coverage of the goings on at the Scottish Parliament.
Image source, Andrew CowanBack to the chamber after the holidays......