Law Society of Scotland: Lord Bracadale recommendations will bring clarity to the law

Gillian Mawdsley, solicitor in the Law Society of Scotland’s policy team, said the review was timely “given the incidence and publicity of crimes and offences motivated through hate”.

She added: “We support Lord Bracadale’s recommendations for a baseline offence and statutory aggravations. In our consultation response we called for all Scottish hate crime legislation to be consolidated and are pleased that this has been supported in the report.

“We think there are enormous benefits to be gained from having a clear set of rules and procedures. It will bring increased clarity alongside a better understanding and application of the law.

“If introduced, his recommendations will modernise the law and its language to make it appropriate to address the needs of the 21st century Scotland. The recommendations recognise the need to update language and clarify how sentencing and recording of convictions should deal with aggravations.

“Specific legislation will raise awareness and help change attitudes by actively promoting a transparent and fairer society.”