SCOTLAND’S fatal accident inquiry system is to be brought “into the 21st century” with major changes that take effect this week.
Fatal accident inquiries (FAIs) have been much criticised because they are not mandatory in many cases and because they are often held years after the death or deaths.
The system will now be revamped as the Inquiries into Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths etc. (Scotland) Act 2016 takes effect.
The power to hold FAIs into the deaths of Scots abroad will be introduced for the first time.
FAIs will also become mandatory for military service deaths in Scotland.
In addition there will be new categories of deaths including children in secure accommodation and deaths under police arrest, regardless of location.
Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs Annabelle Ewing said: “We are bringing the law on FAIs into the 21st century, taking some important steps to broaden the scope of inquiries, including into deaths abroad and the deaths of military personnel on duty in Scotland.
“FAIs are an essential part of our justice system and we want to make sure they are as effective and fair as possible.
“Sheriffs will now play a more active role in the process, and the new Act requires people and organisations to respond to recommendations made by sheriffs which will improve compliancy and accountability.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here