This briefing seeks to inform Stage 3 proceedings of the Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill. It outlines the main issues considered during Stages 1 and 2. …

This briefing seeks to inform consideration of the Scottish Government's proposal to add sex to the characteristics covered by the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021. …

The Desecration of War Memorials (Scotland) Bill was introduced in the Scottish Parliament by Meghan Gallacher MSP on 14 May 2025. This Member's Bill seeks to create a criminal offence of destroying, damaging or desecrating a war memorial. …

This Member's Bill provides for: (a) a new criminal offence of paying for sexual acts; (b) the repeal of an existing offence dealing with soliciting by people in prostitution, along with the quashing of existing convictions for that offence; and (c) a right to assistance and support for people in prostitution. …

Child abduction refers to the removal or retention of a child, often by one parent, without legal authority to do so. The briefing describes the law on child abduction as it applies to children usually living in Scotland. Abduction by a parent or family member is the primary focus of this briefing. …

This briefing seeks to inform Stage 3 proceedings of the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill. It outlines the main issues considered during Stages 1 and 2. …