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Scotland Abolishes 'Not Proven' Verdict, Restoring Judicial Trust

1/2/2026

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Scottish Parliament Abolishes Verdict

The Scottish Parliament has abolished the controversial 'not proven' verdict after years of advocacy, with the reform taking effect on January 1, 2026.
The reform allows juries to deliver clear guilty or not guilty verdicts.
The family of Amanda Duffy, whose daughter was murdered, welcomed the reform after 33 years of struggle.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said the verdict is outdated and the reform will restore trust in Scotland's judiciary.

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Jernigan Seeks Justice

Laurie Jernigan, mother of Ebby Jane Steppach, expresses renewed hope for answers as 2026 begins.
Ebby Jane Steppach disappeared in 2015 after reporting a sexual assault; her body was found in 2018.
Jernigan started the "Justice for Ebby Jane" campaign to gather tips and correct misinformation.
The Arkansas Attorney General's Cold Case Unit re-examines the case with new DNA techniques; Sandra Collins's family missing since 2000 also appeals for information.

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Scottish Parliament Abolishes Verdict

The Scottish Parliament has abolished the controversial 'not proven' verdict after years of advocacy, with the reform taking effect on January 1, 2026.
The reform allows juries to deliver clear guilty or not guilty verdicts.
The family of Amanda Duffy, whose daughter was murdered, welcomed the reform after 33 years of struggle.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said the verdict is outdated and the reform will restore trust in Scotland's judiciary.

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