Scotland to scrap double jeopardy
Scotland looks set to scrap the double jeopardy law which prevents someone being tried twice for the same offence.
The law, which is 800 years old, was cancelled in England and Wales five years ago.
The government is expected to propose the move after a consultation on the issue launched by justice secretary Kenny MacAskill, after a recommendation from the Scottish Law Commission.
There is cross-party support for the change.
The move is expected to go further than recommended, according to media reports, and includes crimes beyond murder, rape and other serious sexual crimes.
