Commentary on Sections Part 3 - Civil Partnerships: Scotland.Introduction Chapter 6 – Miscellaneous and Interpretation Section 130: Civil partner of accused a competent witness
248.This section provides that the civil partner of an accused person may be called as a witness by the accused, a co-accused, or the prosecutor. If a civil partner of an accused is called as a witness, they cannot be forced to give evidence by the co-accused or the prosecutor, and cannot be forced to reveal communications between the civil partners while the civil partnership continues. If a civil partner of an accused person does not give evidence, neither the defence nor the prosecutor can take advantage of this in any submissions to the court.