Criminal business rises in latest quarter, figures show
Criminal business rose in most Scottish courts in Q2 of the 2019-20 financial year compared with the previous quarter, according to the latest statistical bulletin from Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service.
Overall, 7% more first cases were registered than in Q1, with a total of 26,726. Scheduled trials still to call had risen 6% by the end of the quarter to 17,430. The percentage adjourned due to lack of court time was 2.9%.
Broken down by individual courts, High Court indictments registered were up by 10% over the most recent two quarters to 272 in Q2. More than 100 trials are heard each quarter; but trials adjourned for lack of time fell from 3% in Q1 to just 0.9% in Q2.
Sheriff court solemn business saw a 4% decline in petitions registered, and 3% in trials held, but a 9% rise in the number scheduled to call. Summary complaints registered rose by 6%; cases calling for trial showed little change but again there was a 9% rise by the end of the period in those scheduled.
In the JP court there was an 11% rise in cases registered but a 17% fall in trials held, and a 5% improvement in cases scheduled.
Appeals to the High Court saw only an 8% success rate; in the Sheriff Appeal Court the rate is 23%, with appeals solely against sentence being the most likely to succeed in both courts.