| Description | Provides information about what happens when someone close is killed. This includes practical issues; how the police, prosecutors and courts work; and the support available. |
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| ISBN | 0-7559-4304-X |
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| Official Print Publication Date | |
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| Website Publication Date | December 13, 2004 |
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Information for Bereaved Families and Friends Following Murder or Culpable Homicide
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Contents
Introduction
Section 1 Important Contacts
1.1 Key contacts for keeping in touch
1.2 The police Family Liaison Officer (FLO)
1.3 The Victim Information and Advice (VIA) Officer
Section 2 What you need to know now
2.1 Identifying the deceased person
2.2 Seeing the person
2.3 Telling people about the death
2.4 Personal possessions and property
2.5 The post mortem
2.6 Coping with the media
2.7 Funeral arrangements
Section 3 The criminal investigation
3.1 The police investigation
3.2 Gathering evidence
3.3 How long will the police investigation take?
3.4 The police report
3.5 The role of the Procurator Fiscal
3.6 Deciding on charges
3.7 Definition of murder and culpable homicide
3.8 After a decision to prosecute is made
Section 4 The criminal prosecution
4.1 Attending court
4.2 Accused's appearance in the Sheriff Court
4.3 Bail
4.4 The High Court
4.5 The trial
4.6 If you are asked to be a witness
4.7 Support from the Witness Service (including pre-trial visits)
4.8 What to expect from a court case
4.9 Witness intimidation
4.10 Special measures for vulnerable or intimidated witnesses
4.11 Expenses to attend court
4.12 Verdicts
4.13 Sentencing
4.14 Mentally disordered offenders
4.15 Victim statements
4.16 Appeals by a convicted person
4.17 Appeals by the prosecution
4.18 Bringing a private prosecution
4.19 Civil action
Section 5 What happens after the sentence has been passed?
5.1 The Victim Notification Scheme
5.2 How long will the offender be in prison?
5.3 Consideration for release
5.4 Concerns after the prisoner has been released
Section 6 Practical Issues
6.1 How to register a death
6.2 Murders committed in other countries
6.3 Claiming criminal injuries compensation
6.4 Legal aid
6.5 Benefits
6.6 Wills
6.7 Who do you need to tell about the death?
6.8 Stopping unwanted mail
6.9 Debts
6.10 If you have any concerns about the criminal justice system
Section 7 Useful organisations and support
7.1 Services provided by Victim Support Scotland
7.2 Self-help and other support groups
7.3 Religious organisations
7.4 Other sources of help
Section 8 Understanding the legal process and terms
8.1 Flowchart showing the investigation and prosecution process
8.2 Explanation of legal terms
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