Citation, commencement and interpretation1
1
These Regulations may be cited as the Vulnerable Witnesses (Criminal Evidence) (Scotland) Act 2019 (Commencement No. 1 and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2019 and come into force on 20 January 2020.
2
In these Regulations, “the Act” means the Vulnerable Witnesses (Criminal Evidence) (Scotland) Act 2019.
Appointed day2
1
20 January 2020 is the day appointed for the coming into force of the provisions of the Act specified in column 1 of the table in the schedule (the subject matter of which is described in the corresponding entry in column 2).
2
Where a purpose is specified in an entry in column 3 of the table, the provision specified in the corresponding entry in column 1 comes into force only for that purpose.
Child witnesses in certain solemn cases- transitional provision3
Section 1 of the Act applies only—
a
where any accused in the proceedings first appears on petition on or after 20 January 2020, or
b
where no accused appears on petition, the indictment is served on any accused in the proceedings on or after 20 October 2020.
Taking evidence by commissioner- transitional provisions4
1
Section 5(2) and (3) of the Act apply only where a commissioner is appointed on or after 20 January 2020.
2
Section 5(6) of the Act applies only where section 1 applies by virtue of regulation 3.