Plans to scrap Scotland's controversial not proven verdict has been approved by MSP's in a historic vote at Holyrood.
The reform, which passed by 71 votes to 46, is part of the Scottish Government's Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill.
Not proven is one of three verdicts that can be returned in Scotland's criminal courts, alongside guilty and not guilty. Although it carries the same legal weight as not guilty by acquitting the accused, critics have long argued it confuses juries and denies victims closure.
The removal of the centuries-old verdict will also raise the threshold for jury convictions and establish a new sexual offences court.
A Scottish Government consultation on abolishing it found that the “vast majority” of High Court judges opposed the third verdict, arguing it allows jurors to “sit on the fence”.
Angela Constance, the SNP Justice Secretary, said: “This historic legislation will put victims and witnesses at the heart of a modern and fair justice system.
“By changing culture, process and practice across the system, it will help to ensure victims are heard, supported, protected and treated with compassion, while the rights of the accused will continue to be safeguarded.”
However, the Law Society of Scotland warned the “untested” changes in the Bill could increase miscarriages of justice.
Stuart Munro, convener of the society’s criminal law committee, warned that “Scotland will now have a system where a person can be convicted despite five members of the jury having significant doubts about their guilt”.