Sheriff and jury trials in Scotland restarted this week and the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service has published a series of advisory videos for jurors, witnesses and professionals participating in trials operating at remote jury centres.
Jurors in High Court and Sheriff Court jury trials now take part from centres remote from the courtroom to allow physical distancing to be maintained for all participants. SCTS wanted to set out how it will look and feel, given how different a trial court with a remote jury centre is, and also to underline all the COVID-19 secure safety measures in place for the duration of any trial.
David Fraser, SCTS Chief Operations Officer said:
“Jurors and witnesses are being asked to do their civic duty and support justice by participating in criminal trials. Solemn courts have been unable to operate since March, and we now have the means, working together with Crown, the Law Society of Scotland and a range of justice organisations, to restart jury trials, in a truly innovative way.
“Most importantly, we are doing everything to ensure all participants stay safe, with strong COVID-19 protection measures in place in court and at the remote jury centres.”
Sheriff and jury trial courts in Glasgow and Edinburgh restarted this week following the lead of the High Court, where trials got underway in September. Remote jury centres for both courts are located in cinema complexes. Remote jury centres are in development in all Sheriffdoms and will get under way in the New Year.
The new videos, which are available here, will help jurors, witnesses and professionals by allowing them to see and understand what the experience in court is like, in this new environment.
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service would like to thank the following for their support in producing the videos: Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and Victim Information and Advice; Faculty of Advocates; Victim Support Scotland; Scottish Government; and Metro Production Group who developed and produced the videos in close partnership with the project team.
Participating in jury trials in Scotland:
Restarting Sheriff Court Jury Trials - Update