Sections of the Double Jeopardy(Scotland) Act came into force today. Justice Minister Kenny MAcAskill released the following statement.

"The principle of double jeopardy dates back over 800 years, but we now live in a very different world. The law needed to be modernised to ensure that it is fit for the 21st century and I am delighted this day has come.

"This is a victory for common sense. In this day and age, people shouldn't be able to walk free from court and subsequently boast with impunity about their guilt. If new evidence emerges which shows the original ruling was fundamentally flawed, it should be possible to have a second trial. And trials which are tainted by threats or corruption should be re-run.

"Prosecutors should not have their hands tied, and these legislative changes will ensure that in such cases there will be no escape from justice.

"We have acted swiftly in the interests of Scottish justice, victims and their families and this is a historic day for Scots law."