Coronavirus (COVID-19): Justice Analytical Services data report - December 2021

This pack provides information on the impact of COVID-19 on the Justice system during December 2021.

Data has been gathered from a number of different sources and may be subject to future revision.


Summary of COPFS First Substantive Markings

There are 3 types of marking decision available to COPFS:

  • No Action
  • Direct Measures
  • Court proceedings

All marking types have decreased this month.

Chart: First Substantive Marking (bars – monthly count April 2020 to December 2021, dashed lines 19-20 average)
Bar chart showing a breakdown of COPFS markings.

Subjects marked for Direct Measure

Direct measure or alternatives to court include diversion, fiscal fines, fixed penalties, community and work orders. Fiscal fine limits were increased as part of the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020.

In January 2021, for the first time in 2020-21, the number of subjects receiving a Fiscal Fine increased to above 19-20 average levels (dotted lines). Numbers fell to a low in April 2021 and although they have increased overall since that time, this month have decreased being the lowest value since April 2020.

The number of subjects given Fiscal fixed penalties increased from May 2020, and although they have decreased this month they have remained above 19-20 average levels since August 2020.

Chart: Subjects marked for direct measures (bars – monthly count April 2020 to December 2021, dashed lines 19-20 average)
Bar chart showing the number of subjects marked for non-court disposals by COPFS.

Contact

Email: Justice_Analysts@gov.scot

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