Criminal Proceedings in Scotland, 2013-14

1. Introduction

1.1. This bulletin forms part of the Scottish Government series of statistical bulletins on the criminal justice system. Statistics are presented on criminal proceedings concluded in Scottish courts and on a range of non-court disposals issued by the police and by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service during the financial year 2013-14.

1.2. Further detailed tables have been published as background statistics on the Scottish Government Crime and Justice Statistics website.

1.3. In 2013-14, the number of people proceeded against in Scottish courts increased by 4 per cent to 121,668 the first annual increase in seven years. The number of people with a charge proved in 2013-14 also increased by 4 per cent to 105,549 (Chart 1).

Chart 1: Number of people with a charge proved in Scottish courts by main penalty, 2004-05 to 2013-14