Wrongful Convictions: The Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission

In her most recent article, Professor Lissa Griffin, of Pace Law School, analyzes the work of the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission (SCCRC). The SCCRC is one of only three worldwide  innocence commissions, and labored largely out of the spotlight until it was propelled into controversy with the Scottish government’s intervention in the Lockerbie bombing case.

The article analyzes all of the SCCRC’s cases by comparing them with U.S. wrongful conviction claims as well as with the work of the English Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), the SCCRC’s older sister. There is also an interesting discussion about what particular aspects of Scottish criminal procedure, such as a corroboration requirement and a verdict of “not proven,” that may minimize the risk of wrongful convictions.

Read Prof. Griffin’s full article and let us know what you think.