No new jury trials in Scotland until further notice

No new jury trials will be started in Scotland from today, until further notice, due to the coronavirus epidemic.

Lord Justice General Carloway has ordered that while trials currently ongoing will be allowed to conclude, if practical to do so, no new juries will be empanelled. For jurors cited for trials after today, information will be available on jury telephone lines advising them not to attend.

It is understood that trials are being adjourned until later in the year.

In a statement, Scottish Courts & Tribunals said: "Based on the Government’s response to coronavirus we are continually reviewing the operation of the courts and tribunals, to ensure that essential services are maintained as far as possible and that we take appropriate measures to protect the health of all court users."

It added that it is likely that further measures will be announced in the coming days.