The Scottish government launched a public inquiry into Emma Caldwell’s murder in 2005, a case that brought significant attention to the failures of police investigations.

Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs Angela Constance announced in a statement to the parliament that an “independent, judge-led, statutory Public Inquiry” will take place into the investigation of the case. Constance stated that preparations for the public inquiry will begin immediately; however, no details regarding the case itself will be made public.

She went on to say that “there can be no doubt of the serious failings that brought a grieving family to have to fight for their right – for Emma’s right – to justice” and that “[i]t is time to apply fresh scrutiny to this case, to understand what went wrong, to ensure that lessons are learned for the future, and to provide answers to all victims and survivors in this case.” She also highlighted the importance of “eradicat[ing] the scourge of violence against women; tackling the root causes.”

Constance also highlighted the role that the Victims, Witness, and Justice Reform Bill, introduced on April 25, 2023, could have in improving the justice system, adding that “[a] consistent and robust response throughout the justice system, from initial complaint to the end of any trial is critical in our efforts to prevent violence against women and girls.”

Emma Caldwell’s case brought significant criticism surrounding its poor handling by the police and the failures of the justice system to address violence against sex workers. A man was arrested in 2022 in connection with her death and was found guilty almost 20 years later and handed a 36-year prison sentence.