Restrictive Rape Laws

The Scotsman today reports a woman has called for a judge to be sacked after she gave evidence against a man who allegedly raped her. Ann Robertson was remanded by Roger Craik, QC, during the case against George Cummings at the High Court in Edinburgh earlier this month after she fled the from the witness stand during cross examination about her previous relationships. There is to be an investigation by Scotland's most senior judge.

Scotland's rape laws are among the most restrictive in the world and Scotland has has one of the lowest conviction rates for rape in the world. From 922 allegations of rape made to police only 27 resulted in conviction during 2006/2007. Lord Advocate Elish Angiolini last year launched a review of the way rapes are prosecuted to improve conviction rates and the treatment of victims.