§ 49. Mr. Maclennanasked the Solicitor-General for Scotland in what circumstances the Crown Office makes a statement announcing its decision that no further proceedings will be taken against an individual when it decides not to proceed.
§ The Solicitor-General for ScotlandAn intimation to an accused person that no proceedings are to be taken constitutes a complete bar to any proceedings thereafter, at the instance of the Crown, and such intimation is given only where it is clearly correct to do so. On the other hand, it is recognised that accused persons, complainers and indeed the public have a legitimate interest in knowing at the earliest possible date what is to happen in cases of interest to them. It is therefore essential that a balanced and careful judgment be made in every case according to its own circumstances.