We use cookies to collect anonymous data to help us improve your site browsing experience.

Click 'Accept all cookies' to agree to all cookies that collect anonymous data. To only allow the cookies that make the site work, click 'Use essential cookies only.' Visit 'Set cookie preferences' to control specific cookies.

Cookies Page

Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Search

What can we help you with today?

Skip to main

Monthly information on Criminal Case Throughput for March 2025

The latest monthly workbook to show the throughput of criminal cases in our courts shows the number of scheduled trials has fallen to 19,499 from a peak of over 43,000 in January 2022.

The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service has published today the latest monthly workbook to show the throughput of criminal cases in our courts.

Monthly Workbook

This shows the volumes of cases being progressed each month in the High Court, Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Courts for the current financial year, compared against the monthly and weekly averages for historical years, including 2019/20 (pre-COVID). The overall number of scheduled trials in March 2025 have decreased by 712 when compared to last month.

The figures show that during March 2025:

 

• The overall level of new cases registered is 82% of the average pre-COVID level.

The overall level of cases concluded is 93% of the average pre-COVID level.

• Petitions, which provide a useful indicator of future solemn business, are 96% of the average monthly pre-COVID level.

• 3,418 accused arrived from Police custody this was 76% of the average pre-COVID level.

• The overall number of accused remanded in custody during the period was 79% of the average pre-COVID level. Of those that arrived from Police Custody, 18.8% were remanded.

• Overall, the courts use of bail was 92% of the average pre-COVID level.

• Nationally, 26% of trials called were adjourned to a new trial diet. This is a 10-percentage point reduction, compared to 36% pre-COVID and a 33-percentage point reduction when compared to its peak level during the recovery period.

• There were 1,580 accused who received a warrant for non-appearance at court which is 103% of the average pre-COVID level.

• The number of Community disposals issued by the courts was 137% of the average pre-COVID level.

• The National average time between first appearance diet and evidence led trial, where evidence led trial occurred in March 2025 is 30 weeks, compared to the pre-COVID level of 21 weeks and the peak level of 50 weeks during the recovery period.

  • 67 High Court evidence led trials commenced which is 161% of the average pre-COVID level.

  • 89 High Court cases were concluded, which is 133% of the average pre-COVID level.

  • The average time between pleading diet and evidence led trial is 42 weeks for High Court, compared to the pre-COVID level of 22 weeks and the peak level of 66 weeks during the recovery period.
  • 111 sheriff solemn evidence led trials commenced which is 117% of the average pre-COVID level.

  • 695 sheriff solemn cases were concluded which is 143% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • The average time between pleading diet and evidence led trial is 30 weeks for sheriff solemn, compared to the pre-COVID level of 11 weeks and the peak level of 52 weeks during the recovery period.
  • 517 sheriff summary evidence led trials commenced, which is 89% of the average pre-COVID level.

  • 5,370 sheriff summary cases were concluded which is 104% of the average pre-COVID level.

  • The average time between pleading diet and evidence led trial is 30 weeks for sheriff summary, compared to the pre-COVID level of 23 weeks and the peak level of 53 weeks during the recovery period.
  • 1,752 Justice of the Peace cases were concluded which is 64% of the average pre-COVID level.

  • The average time between pleading diet and evidence led trial is 24 weeks for Justice of the Peace, compared to the pre-COVID level of 22 weeks and the peak level of 60 weeks during the recovery period.
General
22 April 2025 Communications