5 December 2005
EUROPEAN LEGAL NETWORK
The Lord Advocate for Scotland, Colin Boyd QC, today welcomed legal professionals from throughout Europe, and beyond, to a meeting in Edinburgh of the European Judicial Network
The Network was formed as a way of encouraging co-operation between the distinct legal jurisdictions within Europe.
This is the 22nd meeting of the European Judicial Network, and is being hosted by the Lord Advocate in Edinburgh in recognition of the UK's Presidency of the EU.
Welcoming the delegates, Mr Boyd said:
"I do not need to remind you of the importance of international co-operation in the fight against crime. Criminals are sophisticated individuals who will exploit any opportunity to make a profit from their illegal activity without any regard to the welfare or safety of others. It is our responsibility as upholders and defenders of the rule of law to effectively and efficiently investigate and prosecute these criminals in an arena that is no longer domestic.
"The success of the European Judicial Network has been to provide a forum to exchange ideas, experience and best practice in this area. More importantly it has provided a mechanism for resolving blockages in judicial co-operation."
Over 125 prosecutors, law enforcement and judicial personnel are attending the conference to discuss key issues such as the European Evidence Warrant and the response to terrorism. Delegates come from all 25 member states of the European Union, and they are joined by representatives of the applicant states and observers from countries such as the United States.
Also on the agenda for discussion is the success of the European Arrest Warrant, which has drastically reduced the time it takes for a suspect to be surrendered to another Member State. Scotland has had recent experience of the efficiency of the EAW, with a warrant issued for one UK national accused of drugs crimes. He was arrested in Spain just four days after a European Arrest Warrant had been issued for him.
Notes to Editors
1. The European Judicial Network was established in 2001. The network consists of representatives of the Member States' judicial and administrative authorities and meets several times each year to exchange information and experience and boost co-operation between the Member States as regards civil and commercial law.
2. Christopher Bailiff failed to appear for trial in relation to drugs charges. The European Arrest Warrant was craved from the Sheriff at Edinburgh on the afternoon of Friday 24 June 2005 and issued that night. Bailiff was arrested in Spain on the warrant on Tuesday 28 June. He consented to his extradition and returned to Scotland less than a month later. Bailiff subsequently pled guilty to being concerned in the supply of drugs, and was sentenced on Thursday, 1 December to five years in prison.
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News Release: NRCO024LP
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