More summary trials to be listed as restrictions ease

Additional summary criminal trials will be listed from next week as COVID-19 lockdown restrictions ease.

As part of updated operating arrangements following the Scottish Government’s announcement that most of Scotland will move to “level 2” restrictions from 17 May, Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service said it will move from a fixed summary criminal trial loading of five cases per trial court, to allocating cases within the maximum safe capacity for each courtroom, managing actual footfall rather than the number of cases.

Justice of the peace courts will recommence operation on 7 June 2021 as planned, and trials will also be allocated ensuring the loadings do not exceed the maximum safe capacity for each courtroom. 

SCTS emphasised that while the need for physical distancing remains, the guidance for court and tribunal users who need to come to court our buildings is unchanged, including that regarding face coverings and client consultations.

Civil hearings will continue to be conducted remotely, other than in exceptional circumstances where the physical presence of witnesses will be permitted. 

Click here for the full notice.

Welcoming the move, Amanda Millar, President of the Law Society of Scotland, commented: "This further move towards opening up our courts in line with Government regulations is a positive step and as restrictions ease, we must all work to ensure the safety of everyone who uses the courts."

She continued: "It is also vital that we look beyond simply increasing the number of trials which can take place, to ensure that we have a resilient justice system longer term. Even as we see a welcome reduction in the backlog of cases, it remains important for all those involved in the justice system to continue to work together to find new ways of working which will serve the public interest. Such initiatives must also be properly resourced to ensure that cases which have been on hold, leaving many, including witnesses, those accused of a crime and those who represent them, in limbo for lengthy periods, are resolved as we continue to deal with the impact of the pandemic."