The Commission on Justice in Wales is midway through its fact-finding tour of justice in Scotland, chaired by Lord Thomas of Cwmgeidd the former Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales.
The Commission is meeting Scottish Justice experts ranging from the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Michael Matheson, to Senior Judiciary, leaders in Police Scotland and the Scottish Prison Service, as well as groups promoting women’s justice,and leading solicitors and academics.
The Commission is keen to learn from Scotland’s distinct approach to Justice, its emphasis on community and health solutions to crime, and its vision for the future.
Speaking today, Lord Thomas said, “There is much to learn from the integrated vision for justice and fairness in Scotland. Wales and Scotland share a focus on safer communities and the well-being of people and future generations.”.
The Welsh Government set up the Commission on Justice in Wales in 2017 to review the operation of the legal and justice system in Wales, and set a long term vision for the future.
Since February the Commission has begun to hold events in and across Wales to hear the views of people working in, and affected by, the justice and legal system including prisoners and staff at HMP Berwyn, the second largest prison in Europe.
The Commission is seeking written evidence until early June before it moves onto oral evidence.