Sheriff summary courts to resume next Monday

Sheriff court summary criminal business will resume as scheduled from Monday 19 April, Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service has confirmed. Justice of the peace courts are planned to restart on Monday 7 June.

Most non-custody summary trials in the sheriff court and JP court have been adjourned since January due to lockdown restrictions. In view of the recent easing of restrictions, the sheriff court will see trial courts returning to the pre-January lockdown loadings of three programmed trials and two backup cases with witnesses on standby.

In relation to other business types, all criminal jury trials and other diets in the High Court and sheriff court will continue as planned and all new custody cases and summary custody trials in the sheriff courts and JP courts will continue to be heard.

SCTS also confirmed that all civil and criminal appeal business, along with tribunals and the Office of the Public Guardian, will continue to operate virtually and remotely, as they have been doing throughout the pandemic, as will the vast majority of civil business in the Court of Session, Scottish Land Court and sheriff courts including the All Scotland Sheriff Personal Injury Court.

For cases that continue to be heard in person, physical distancing is to be maintained at all times. Face coverings must be worn at all times whilst moving around SCTS buildings, unless the person has an exemption. The Lord President has also instructed that they be worn while in courtrooms, as an additional measure.

Where possible, client consultations should take place outwith the court estate. However, it is acknowledged there may be occasions where this not possible. Where client instruction or consultation is required during a court hearing, an adjournment can be sought. Where it is required prior to a hearing, SCTS will do its best to facilitate local arrangements, using currently unoccupied accommodation.

SCTS chief executive Eric McQueen commented: “The safety of staff, judiciary and court users remains our top priority and is central to our plans to safely resume court business on 19 April. Based on the latest COVID data, we are taking a cautious approach to restore summary criminal business to pre-January lockdown levels, in line with the wider phased easing of restrictions announced by the Scottish Government. 

“We will continue to be guided by public health advice and to monitor case levels. The extensive measures we have in place to ensure the safest possible working environment will be maintained, to minimise potential transmission so the courts can continue to operate safely.” 

Arrangements will be regularly reviewed in line with any changes to the public health measures. 

Detailed guidance on arrangements in court building is available at this link.