Scottish party to challenge UK supreme court

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http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2011/0530/1224298058638.html

THE UK supreme court should not be able to review human-rights judgments made in Scottish courts, Scottish National Party ministers are expected to decide this week in a further sign of the SNP’s desire to weaken links with London.

“Scotland’s distinct legal system, including our criminal law, has served our country well for centuries, ensuring justice for victims while also protecting the rights of those accused of a crime,” Scottish justice secretary Kenny MacAskill said yesterday.

Scottish judgments should be appealed, where necessary, to the Strasbourg-based European Court of Human Rights, he said. “We believe the UK supreme court should have no role in matters of Scots criminal law – a view supported by Scotland’s leading legal figures.”