CHILDREN would not have to give evidence in court during criminal trials under proposals backed by the Justice Secretary.

Campaigners believe the overhaul will help improve the way in which vulnerable witnesses are treated in the court system.

But opponents have said it is important for justice that children are given the right to be heard in court and have questioned the impact of the move.

It comes after a review led by Lord Carloway and Lord Justice Clerk found that Scotland is "significantly lagging behind" the rest of the world in the treatment of children and other vulnerable witnesses.

The judges said there was a "compelling" case for children's evidence to be captured in advance of the trial in the form of an interview taken shortly after the initial complaint.

Michael Matheson, justice secretary, has given his support to the move.

He said: "If you go to somewhere like Norway, a child, if they are a witness, never sees a court. They are not cross-examined.

"I recognise the need to have access to a fair trial but I am also confident that, in Norway, they can deliver a fair trial. They can also do it in such a way that recognises the vulnerability of certain witnesses and have measures in place that help address these things more effectively."

Ian Cruickshank, convener of the Law Society of Scotland Criminal Law Committee, welcomed moves to improve the quality of evidence presented, in particularly from vulnerable witnesses, but he said it was "essential any proposal will continue to ensure witness evidence".

David Sinclair, of Victim Support Scotland, said: "We have long advocated improvements to the way vulnerable witnesses are dealt with by the court. Going to court can be a significant ordeal for children."

The Scottish Government said a working group with people from across the justice system will examine the issues in full before reporting back later this year.