Family law
Forced Marriage etc. (Jurisdiction and Protection) (Scotland)
Bill
This bill makes provision for protecting people from being
forced to enter into marriage without their free and full consent,
and persons who have been forced to enter into marriage, by way of
a forced marriage protection order with civil remedies tailored to
the needs of victims. The bill will permit the victim, relevant
third parties and others (with leave) to apply to the civil courts
for such an order. Breach of an order will be a specific criminal
offence.
Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill
This Member's Bill has two main policy objectives: (i) to
increase access to justice for victims of domestic abuse; and (ii)
to enable police and prosecutors to provide a more robust response
to breached civil protection orders which in turn may deter abusers
from further abusive action. The Bill will amend the current
legislation relating to civil protection orders and legal aid and
introduce a new criminal offence in order to achieve these policy
aims.
Children's Hearings (Scotland) Bill
The Children's Hearings (Scotland) Bill was introduced into the
Scottish Parliament on 23 February. Among other provisions, the
Bill seeks to establish a national body, Children's Hearings
Scotland, which will undertake functions associated with the
recruitment, selection, training, retention and support of
children's panel members.