SCHEDULE 2The Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland

Part 3Tribunal procedure

Evidence

I112

1

The Tribunal may by citation require any person to attend, at such time and place as is specified in the citation, for the purpose of—

a

giving evidence; or

b

producing any document in the custody, or under the control, of such person which the Tribunal considers it necessary to examine.

2

In relation to persons giving evidence the Tribunal may administer oaths and take affirmations.

3

A person who is cited to attend the Tribunal and—

a

refuses or fails—

i

to attend; or

ii

to give evidence; or

b

alters, conceals or destroys, or refuses to produce, a document which such person may be required to produce for the purposes of proceedings before the Tribunal,

shall, subject to sub-paragraph (4) below, be guilty of an offence.

4

A person need not give evidence or produce any document if, were it evidence which might be given or a document that might be produced in any court in Scotland, the person having that evidence or document could not be compelled to give or produce it in such proceedings.

5

It shall be a defence for a person charged with contravening sub-paragraph (3) above to show that the person has a reasonable excuse for such contravention.

6

A person guilty of an offence under sub-paragraph (3)(a) above shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

7

A person guilty of an offence under sub-paragraph (3)(b) above shall be liable—

a

on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum;

b

on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or a fine or both.