The Scottish Government

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ISBN 978 0 7559 5886 3
This document is also available in pdf format (240k)

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 person who was killed
2.2 Seeing the body
2.3 Telling people about the death
2.4 Personal possessions and property
2.5 The post mortem examination
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 ( PF)
3.6 Deciding on charges
3.7 Definitions of murder and culpable homicide
3.8 Preliminary charges
3.9 Decision on whether to prosecute

Section 4 The criminal prosecution
4.1 Attending court
4.2 What happens before the trial
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
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 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

Acknowledgements

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