COVID-19: Important changes to criminal court business in Scotland

COVID-19: Important changes to criminal court business in Scotland

Lord Carloway

Owing to the current emergency, the Lord President and Lord Advocate have agreed to a programme of changes to criminal court business, which together with changes to civil court business, tribunal hearings and the work of the Office of the Public Guardian aim to provide a sustainable response during the outbreak.

The arrangements will support the public heath response by reducing the requirement for physical attendance at courts or hearings whenever possible, reducing the risk to staff, judiciary and all court users.

These arrangements prioritise essential or exceptional business and have been made with intent to support a managed recovery when that is possible.

The offices of the courts and tribunals and the Office of the Public Guardian will remain open to ensure that essential business can still be dealt with. However, unless individuals are required for proceedings they should not attend courts or tribunal premises. These arrangements will be reviewed regularly.

For full details of the changes go to www.scotcourts.gov.uk

Share icon
Share this article: