Margaret fights to give victims a voice
Margaret Curran recently submitted an amendment which attempted to give “victims a voice” by giving them the right to make verbal statements during parole board hearings for offenders. The amendment aimed to bring the Scottish system into line with that of England and Wales where victims are given the option of submitting a statement to parole board hearings.
Margaret in the Scottish Parliament
Margaret said:
”I believe that victims of crime should be more involved in the criminal justice system. The right to make their feelings heard at hearings of the parole board would give victims a voice, and also allow those involved in the hearings to have a fuller understanding of the impact of the offender’s behaviour.
Unfortunately the amendment did not pass in the Parliament. However I am hopeful that, when the issue is debated again, it will be more successful.”
