News

  1. Revised guidance on reporting of deaths during coronavirus outbreak

    On May 13 2020 the Lord Advocate, James Wolffe QC, provided an update to the Scottish Parliament on arrangements for the reporting of deaths during the Covid-19/coronavirus outbreak.

    15 May 2020 COVID-19
  2. Update from the Lord Advocate on death investigations and coronavirus

    As Lord Advocate I remain constitutionally responsible for the investigation of sudden, unexpected and unexplained deaths in Scotland throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

    24 Apr 2020 Statements
  3. Statement from the Lord Advocate on oversight of temporary police powers

    The Lord Advocate, James Wolffe QC, has welcomed the formation of an independent group to provide additional oversight of use of temporary police powers during the coronavirus pandemic.

    17 Apr 2020 Statements
  4. Threat to police and front-line workers will not be tolerated

    Lord Advocate reiterates the Crown's commitment to deal robustly with any reported person who deliberately coughs or spits at police officers or front-line workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    03 Apr 2020 COVID-19
  5. Tackling domestic abuse is a priority for prosecutors

    The Lord Advocate has confirmed that domestic abuse cases will continue to be prosecuted vigorously and fairly during the coronavirus pandemic.

    01 Apr 2020 Statements
  6. Joint statement from Lord Advocate and Chief Constable

    SCOTLAND’S Lord Advocate and Chief Constable of Police Scotland have set clear priorities for the investigation and prosecution of crime as measures to tackle the Covid-19 outbreak come in to force.

    19 Mar 2020 COVID-19
  7. Lord Advocate addresses victims' groups

    The Lord Advocate renewed his commitment to put victims’ voices at the heart of the criminal justice system as he addressed an event marking European Day for Victims of Crime.

    21 Feb 2020 Statements
  8. Crown Office cash boost to clear post-mortem backlog

    COPFS can confirm an additional £300,000 investment to help clear overdue post-mortem reports that are impacting upon a large number of bereaved families in Scotland.

    30 Dec 2019 COPFS corporate
  9. Lord Advocate welcomes Drug Death Taskforce

    Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC has welcomed the formation of a Drug Death Taskforce to help tackle problem drug use as a public health priority.

    05 Jul 2019 Statements
  10. Briefing note on investigation of deaths and FAI

    The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service is committed to the prompt investigation of deaths, but accepts that in some cases the time taken to complete a thorough investigation has been too long.

    24 Dec 2018 Death investigations