SCTS News

Guidance published today outlines how the All Scotland Sheriff Personal Injury Court (ASSPIC) will restart business during the current Coronavirus situation.

The Lord Justice General, Lord Carloway, has today (12 May) established a short-term working group, led by the Lord Justice Clerk, Lady Dorrian, to consider the practicalities of recommencing trials by jury as and when public health guidelines permit such a move.

During the Coronavirus outbreak, criminal court business in Scotland is currently limited to urgent and essential business which includes custody hearings, urgent bail hearings or applications to extend custody time limits.

An Inverness Sheriff Court commercial case provides the first opportunity to test the use of virtual court hearings in Scotland’s Sheriff Courts. A hearing on Tuesday’ 12 May will enable parties in the case to appear before Sheriff Principal Derek Pyle in a virtual courtroom.

All Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service buildings will be closed for a public holiday on Friday 8 May to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.