Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995

[F1 F2 194D Further provision as to references. S

(1) A reference of a conviction, sentence or finding may be made under section 194B of this Act whether or not an application has been made by or on behalf of the person to whom it relates.

(2) In considering whether to make a reference the Commission shall have regard to—

(a) any application or representations made to the Commission by or on behalf of the person to whom it relates;

(b) any other representations made to the Commission in relation to it: and

(c) any other matters which appear to the Commission to be relevant.

(3) In considering whether to make a reference the Commission may at any time refer to the High Court for the Court’s opinion any point on which they desire the Court’s assistance; and on a reference under this subsection the High Court shall consider the point referred and furnish the Commission with their opinion on the point.

(4) Where the Commission make a reference to the High Court under section 194B of this Act they shall—

(a) give to the Court a statement of their reasons for making the reference; and

(b) send a copy of the statement to every person who appears to them to be likely to be a party to any proceedings on the appeal arising from the reference.

[F3 (4A) The grounds for an appeal arising from a reference to the High Court under section 194B of this Act must relate to one or more of the reasons for making the reference contained in the Commission's statement of reasons.

(4B) Despite subsection (4A), the High Court may, if it considers it is in the interests of justice to do so, grant leave for the appellant to found the appeal on additional grounds.

(4C) An application by the appellant for leave under subsection (4B) must be made and intimated to the Crown Agent within 21 days after the date on which a copy of the Commission's statement of reasons is sent under subsection (4)(b).

(4D) The High Court may, on cause shown, extend the period of 21 days mentioned in subsection (4C).

(4E) The Clerk of Justiciary must intimate to the persons mentioned in subsection (4F)—

(a) a decision under subsection (4B), and

(b) in the case of a refusal to grant leave for the appeal to be founded on additional grounds, the reasons for the decision.

(4F) Those persons are—

(a) the appellant or the appellant's solicitor, and

(b) the Crown Agent.]

(5) In every case in which—

(a) an application has been made to the Commission by or on behalf of any person for the reference by them of any conviction, sentence or finding; but

(b) the Commission decide not to make a reference of the conviction, sentence or finding,

they shall give a statement of the reasons for their decision to the person who made the application.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Pt. XA (ss. 194A-194L) inserted (1.1.1998 for the purpose of inserting ss. 194A, 194E and 194G, otherwise 1.4.1999) by 1997 c. 48, s. 25(1); S.I. 1997/3004, art. 2, Sch.; S.I. 1999/652, art. 2, Sch. (subject to art. 3)

F2 S. 194D inserted (1.4.1999) by 1997 c. 48, s. 25(1); S.I. 1999/652, art. 2, Sch. (subject to art. 3)

F3 S. 194D(4A)-(4F) inserted (5.11.2010) by Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 13), ss. 83, 206(1); S.S.I. 2010/385, art. 2 (with arts. 3, 4)