Updated SCTS Court Guidance

The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) has provided an update on safety measures and court guidance, confirming that all existing safety measures will remain in place until the end of January 2022.

Importantly, an update on Court Guidance, for the Supreme Courts, Sheriff Courts and Justice of the Peace Courts, effective from Monday 15 November, is also included.

“While the presumption remains that the majority of civil procedural business will continue to be heard virtually, the guidance enables substantive Inner House and Criminal Appeal Court business to be heard in-person by default.

“All other civil business in the Court of Session and Sheriff Court will continue to be conducted virtually, unless the court allows an in-person hearing on cause shown. For criminal solemn business in the Sheriff Courts, the accused should attend the first diet.

Essentially, the grounds on which a request for an in-person hearing can be granted, has changed from ‘exceptional circumstances’ to on cause shown. This will allow sheriffs, judges and solicitors more flexibility to have in-person hearings where appropriate.

You can read the full update on the SCTS website.