Scottish Court Ruling Paves Way for More Rape Cases to Proceed

A landmark decision by Scottish judges overturns an 87-year-old rule, allowing victim statements to serve as corroborative evidence.

Eight out of nine judges agreed to change the rule, potentially increasing the number of rape cases that reach court.
The decision allows statements made by victims shortly after an incident to corroborate other evidence, even without signs of distress.
The ruling challenges a 1937 precedent that limited the use of such statements to establishing consistency and credibility.
Scottish law's unique corroboration requirement, which demands evidence from at least two sources, has been a barrier to prosecuting rape cases.
Proponents of the change argue it could significantly improve access to justice for rape survivors, while concerns about wrongful convictions persist.