The Requirement for Corroboration in Scottish Criminal Cases: One Argument against Retention

Examines judicial dilution of the doctrine of corroboration applicable to Scottish criminal cases, under which evidence against the accused from two separate sources is required in order to obtain a conviction. Identifies certain dilutions as defensible and others as less justifiable dilutions of the impact of corroborative evidence. Suggests the corroboration requirement is not as good a safeguard against miscarriages of justice as some believe and that judicial refinement of the rule to avoid unmeritorious acquittals has led to unnecessary complexity, complications and anomalies.