If you are a witness or victim in Scotland, you have rights. One of those rights is access to information. You can find out more about court cases you’re involved in.
Can I ask for information?
You can ask for information if you are:
- the victim of the offence
- a witness – someone:
- who is going to give evidence in court
- who has given a statement about the offence
Some relatives of victims who died due to a criminal offence can also find out more information.
Who can I request information from?
You can approach any of the following organisations for information. Click through for their latest contact details.
- Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS)
- Police Scotland (Police)
- The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS)
What information can I request from COPFS?
You can ask:
- why a case is not going to court
- what is happening with a case
- what offences a person has been charged with
What information can I request from Police Scotland?
You can ask:
- why a crime is not being investigated
- why an investigation has stopped
What information can I request from SCTS?
You can ask:
- what is happening with a case in court
- what decision the judge or sheriff has made about a case
- what offences a person has been charged with
- the date, time and place for a trial
- the date, time and place for an appeal hearing
Restricted information
Some information cannot be given out. It may be given in confidence or not appropriate for sharing. The organisation you contact will tell you if they can’t provide something you have asked for.
Application process
When you apply for information, COPFS will need to see two forms of ID. (We can accept photocopies.) Between them, the ID should show your name, date of birth, and current address.
If we need further proof that you are entitled to the information you want, or related to the person
We may ask you in writing for further proof that you are:
- entitled to the information you want
- closely related enough to the victim or witness
Application form
If applying for information from COPFS, you can fill in our online form. Follow the notes inside the attached form document:
- Victims and witnesses complete part A only
- Prescribed relatives complete part B only
- Prescribed relatives of children under 16 years complete part C only
How long will it take?
After you apply and provide ID, COPFS will send you the information as soon as possible.
Help with an application
If COPFS Victim Information and Advice service (VIA) are already in touch with you, contact them first if you need help. They may be able to provide the information without you having to apply.
Otherwise our COPFS Enquiry Point can guide you through it:
-
- email – _EnquiryPoint@copfs.gov.uk
- telephone – 0300 020 3000
- Other contact methods