Coronavirus (COVID-19): Justice Analytical Services Data Report - December 2020

Subjects marked for court

The type of court proceedings appropriate for a case depends on the nature of the crimes or offences involved. The most serious crimes are marked for solemn proceedings, whilst less serious crimes and offences will be marked for Sheriff Summary or JP courts.

The number of people marked for proceedings in:

• Solemn court (High Court or Sheriff & Jury) has been higher than 19-20 average levels since April 2020, but fell just below this level in December.
• Sheriff Summary court fell below 19-20 average levels in August and has been decreasing since that time.
• JP Court remains significantly below 19-20 average levels.

Fatal Accident Enquiries (as of 31 December 2020)

FAIs with scheduled court dates 40
FAIs with First Notice lodged, awaiting court dates: 7

Source: Data in this section has come from COPFS Internal Management Information System.

Scottish Courts & Tribunal Service (SCTS)

Update from SCTS

As a result of the increasing spread of the new variant of COVID-19 across Scotland, the Lord President has announced that during the lockdown period the criminal courts will focus on the most serious trials and the majority of summary trials in the Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Court will be adjourned. This will reduce the overall number of criminal trials taking place during lockdown by up to 75% and be implemented from January 12^th.