Image source, bbc

Green MSP John Finnie asks about the benefits of pre-recorded evidence.

Lady Dorrian cites the case of a child of five who had given evidence at a trial, having had a joint investigative interview, and was cross-examined in the trial three years after the incident had taken place.

The lord justice clerk says if children are asked to give evidence remotely from the event their memory is affected and they are more likely to be confused and are more likely to come across as "shifty or unreliable".

The idea of a commission at a closer time to the incident would enhance the quality of their evidence and reduce the harm to the child, she elucidates.

Evidence from the cross-examination of children is often not useful, Lady Dorrian adds.

Lady Dorrian says the bill is a significant milestone in improving the process of taking evidence from vulnerable witnesses.

She says it forms part of wider efforts to decrease harm and stress for vulnerable witnesses, and increase accuracy and consistency.

I and my fellow senators generally support the proposals in the bill, she concludes.

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Children and rape victims will no longer have to give evidence in a courtroom under plans unveiled by the Scottish government.

A draft bill would allow vulnerable victims in the most serious cases to give pre-recorded evidence instead.

It follows a call from Scotland's most senior judge to introduce such a change.

The bill also includes a power to extend the new rule to adult witnesses deemed to be vulnerable.

This would include alleged victims of sexual offences, stalking, domestic abuse and human trafficking.

Read more here.

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MSPs will now take evidence on the Vulnerable Witnesses (Criminal Evidence) (Scotland) Bill, external from:

• Lady Dorrian, lord justice clerk, Judiciary of Scotland, external
• Tim Barraclough from Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, external

Image source, bbc

The Justice Committee, external will shortly take evidence on the Vulnerable Witnesses (Criminal Evidence) (Scotland) Bill, external.

MSPs will then take evidence on the Management of Offenders (Scotland) Bill, external.

Read the committee papers here., external

Good morning and welcome to Holyrood Live on Tuesday 18 February 2018.

We begin the week with the Justice Committee will take evidence on the Vulnerable Witnesses (Criminal Evidence) (Scotland) Bill from Lord Justice Clerk Lady Dorrian, from the Judiciary of Scotland and Tim Barraclough from the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service.

Then we’ll hear from the Parole Board of Scotland, the Risk Management Authority, the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland and Social Work Scotland on the Management of Offenders Bill.

Image source, PA/Getty Images

After topical questions we’ll hear from Brexit Secretary Mike Russell on Scotland[‘s preparations for Brexit.

Another ministerial statement follows on the conduct of reviews and inquiries, following the investigation into the much criticised review of transvaginal mesh implants.

MSPS then debate the Damages (Investment Returns and Periodical Payments) (Scotland) Bill for the first time.

SNP MSP David Torrance will then lead a debate entitled ‘Fife Alcohol Support Service, Supporting Fifers for 40 Years’.