Crown Office

Crown Office Circulars and General Minutes

(from I January 2008 these become one series - Crown Office Circulars

There is no general policy in relation to the disclosure or non-disclosure of Crown Office circulars and general minutes. Decisions are made on a case by case basis. Circulars and general minutes often contain highly sensitive and confidential information, for example in relation to case marking guidelines. These are exempt under section 35 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 where publication would prejudice substantially criminal investigation and prosecution of crime (see section 5 of the COPFS Publication Scheme). However, there are also circulars which can be provided in an edited form or disclosed in their entirety without any prejudice to the administration of justice.

The following CO circulars/General Minutes have been released proactively or as a result of FOI inquiries. Where a document has been edited, this will be clearly marked.

Crown Office Circular - 19/2001 - Fire Investigations

Crown Office Circular - 29/2001 - Retention of Case Papers by Procurator Fiscal

General Minute to Legal Staff - 1/05 - Test Purchasing by Children and Persons under 18 years old

Crown Office Circular - 1/2007(edited) - Fire (Scotland) Act 2005