Colin Boyd QC greeted legal counterparts from 40 countries

Colin Boyd QC said he was looking forward to the 19th conference of The International Society for the Reform of Criminal Law in Edinburgh on Sunday.

About 200 delegates were expected to attend the five-day event held to compare different justice systems.

Mr Boyd said delegates would discuss developing victims' rights and modernising courts.

The ISRCL is a non-governmental association of judges, legislators and academics.

First Minister Jack McConnell was due to welcome delegates and host a reception at Holyrood to mark the first day of the conference.

We will be addressing the major issues which are faced by courts, prosecutors, criminal lawyers and legislators the world over Colin Boyd QC

Mr Boyd said Scotland's Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service had "a long and proud history" of international co-operation in the fight against crime.

"During the course of this conference, we will be addressing the major issues which are faced by courts, prosecutors, criminal lawyers and legislators the world over," he said.

"These range from developing victims' rights and modernising courts to facing the challenges posed by serious and organised crime."

'Packed programme'

Delegates were due to debate issues including modernising their respective justice systems, liaising with different jurisdictions and asset confiscation.

The ISCRL's president, Damian J Bugg AM QC, said the summit offered a chance to discuss ways of improving the legal process.

"This year's conference offers a packed programme of discussions and workshops and is an important opportunity to discuss some of the major changes taking place in criminal justice systems across the globe," he added.

"The annual conference gives legal professionals from across the world an opportunity to meet and share experiences, and discuss ways to improve and develop justice systems."