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Scotland Abolishes 'Not Proven' Verdict Amid Controversy

1/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Scotland removed the "not proven" verdict on January 1, 2026, leaving only "guilty" or "not guilty."
Joe Duffy and Kate Duffy campaigned for abolition after their daughter Amanda's murder in 1992, during which Francis Auld was acquitted under a not proven verdict.
The new law requires a two-thirds majority for convictions, aimed at improving jury decision-making.
Prosecutors and legal organizations fear the change could lead to fewer convictions.

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Story summary

Scotland removed the "not proven" verdict on January 1, 2026, leaving only "guilty" or "not guilty."
Joe Duffy and Kate Duffy campaigned for abolition after their daughter Amanda's murder in 1992, during which Francis Auld was acquitted under a not proven verdict.
The new law requires a two-thirds majority for convictions, aimed at improving jury decision-making.
Prosecutors and legal organizations fear the change could lead to fewer convictions.