Victims and witnesses of crime have been given a new right to request up-to-date information about their case from police and prosecutors.
The power, which comes into force today, has been introduced under Scottish Government legislation designed to improve the experience of the justice system for those affected by crime.
People will be able to request up-to-date information on their case from police, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and the Scottish Court Service.
Under the Victims and Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2014, authorities also have to set standards for what victims and witnesses can expect from them as their case progresses.
The standards, which will also cover the Scottish Prison Service and Parole Board for Scotland, are due to be published by April 30.
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: "The Scottish Government is working closely with justice organisations to ensure victims and witnesses feel supported, safe and informed at every stage of the criminal justice process.
"We have worked closely with victim support organisations throughout the legislative process and in planning for implementation, and the measures in this Act have been widely welcomed.
"The measures in the Act seek to ensure that victims and witnesses are at the heart of reforms to Scotland's justice system, giving them the confidence they need to know that their voices will be heard."
Other measures brought into force under the Act last August included a Scottish Government fund to allow victims or their families to share in almost £1 million a year of cash seized from criminals.
The Government's Victim Surcharge Fund is designed to pay for costs incurred by victims of crime, such as funeral costs or moving costs to help victims get away from abusers or their associates.
The Act also introduced new powers to enable victims of sexual assault, domestic abuse, human trafficking and stalking to choose the gender of their police interviewer.
Victims can also make representations to the authorities when prisoners are being considered for release.
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