Coronavirus (COVID-19): Justice Analytical Services data report - September 2020
Fourth release of a monthly data report on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the justice system in Scotland, including information from Police Scotland, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, courts and prisons.
First substantive marking
When COPFS receive a report that someone has committed a crime the prosecutor must decide what action to take. This is recorded on the case as a “marking”. If a decision cannot be taken immediately, an interim marking may be recorded. When a substantive decision is reached a First Substantive Marking (FSM) is recorded, to indicate how the prosecutor has decided to proceed.
The number of accused given a FSM by COPFS is returning to pre-lockdown levels.
| Fiscal Week Beginning 28 September 2020 |
19-20 weekly average | Weekly average since lockdown | % of 19-20 average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accused given a First Substantive Marking | 3,445 | 3,013 | 87% |
| Accused that are in the process of being marked (interim marked) | 2,971 | 3,474 | 117% |
| Accused that have not begun the marking process (unmarked) |
16,477 | 11,973 | 73% |
FSM Reports ↔ Returning to 2019-20 levels
Unmarked ↓ Around a third lower than last year
Contact
Email: Justice_Analysts@gov.scot
There is a problem
Thanks for your feedback