Law Society welcomes opening of two new sheriff courts

Responding to the opening of two new sheriff courts in Scotland today, marking a key stage of the ongoing programme of reform to the Scottish court system, Christine McLintock, President of the Law Society of Scotland said: 

“This is a momentous day for the Scottish court system.  These reforms and introduction of new specialist courts are a key step in the courts’ modernisation programme and will help to ensure we have an effective and efficient justice system that works for those who need it. 

“It will be essential that every effort is made to ensure that the transition of work to the new courts is as smooth as possible. Going forward it will be important to make sure that the changes are properly resourced during the period of transition and also to monitor the effect of the reforms to ensure that access to justice continues to improve. 

“We are pleased the government listened to our concerns about the legal aid rates for the new sheriff appeal court and introduced interim regulations prior to today’s opening. We will continue to work with the government and the Scottish courts service to ensure that the new court can work as intended.” 

The Criminal Sheriff Appeal Court is a new appeal court that will hear summary criminal appeals from Justice of the Peace and sheriff courts.    The Sheriff Personal Injury Court, will provide a new central forum of expertise for personal injury cases.

ENDS

PRESS AND MEDIA ENQUIRIES TO: Louise Docherty louisedocherty@lawscot.org.uk 0131 476 8204