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Under consideration PE2168: Guarantee Legal Aid for "Death or Serious Injury" victims in legal action against Police Scotland

Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to grant Legal Aid to all victims and their families when medical evidence confirms that a "Death or Serious Injury" incident occurred during an interaction with Police Scotland personnel.

Background information

Victims have to incur great expense for lawyers to seek justice, whilst Police Scotland have access to an army of state lawyers at taxpayers cost. Recent BBC coverage of the Sheku Bayoh case and Angela Constance’s comments stating that legal aid will now be available to families involved in FAIs is too late, people have died and families are seeking justice. I believe that Legal Aid (no means testing) should be made available to all victims and families of medically confirmed "Death or Serious Injuries" not just those involved in FAIs.

  • Created by Steven McInally
  • Considered from 29 May 2025
  • Petitions can collect signatures until the petition has been closed

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