Not proven verdict to be scrapped in new trials from 1 January

Major reforms to the justice system, including the abolition of the not proven verdict, will come into force on 1 January.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance has laid regulations to bring the new law into effect from New Year's Day.

From that date the threshold for a guilty verdict in jury trials will also increase - though the legislation will not apply to trials that are already under way.

The removal of the not proven verdict, which is unique to Scottish courts and can be traced back to the 17th Century, will be a major milestone in the country's legal history.

The Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Act will also introduce a requirement for the parole board to consider if a murderer has refused to reveal the location of their victim's remains when deciding if they should be freed from jail, and to take into account the safety of victims and their families.

These changes are to take effect from 23 March.