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 December 2025

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 Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) has published today 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 December 2025 have increased by 305 when compared to last month.

Due to fewer court days being programmed during the December festive period, comparisons with the pre-COVID monthly average are lower.

The figures show that during December 2025:

  • The overall level of new cases registered is 79% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • The overall level of cases concluded is 75% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • Petitions, which provide a useful indicator of future solemn business, are 123% of the average monthly pre-COVID level.
  • 3,617 accused arrived from Police custody this was 80% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • The overall number of accused remanded in custody during the period was 83% of the average pre-COVID level. Of those that arrived from Police Custody, 18.1% were remanded.
  • Overall, the courts use of bail was 1% higher than the average pre-COVID level.
  • Nationally, 29% of trials called were adjourned to a new trial diet. This is a 4-percentage point reduction, compared to 33% pre-COVID and a 30-percentage point reduction when compared to its peak level during the recovery period. 
  • There were 1,794 accused who received a warrant for non-appearance at court which is 117% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • The number of Community disposals issued by the courts was 116% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • The National average time between first appearance diet and evidence led trial, where evidence led trial occurred in December 2025 is 30 weeks, compared to the pre-COVID level of 21 weeks and the peak level of 50 weeks during the recovery period.
  • 32 High Court evidence led trials commenced which is 77% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • 72 High Court cases were concluded, which is 107% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • The average time between pleading diet and evidence led trial is 39 weeks for High Court, compared to the pre-COVID level of 22 weeks and the peak level of 66 weeks during the recovery period.
  • 57 sheriff solemn evidence led trials commenced which is 60% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • 385 sheriff solemn cases were concluded which is 79% of the average pre-COVID level.
  •  The average time between pleading diet and evidence led trial is 18 weeks for sheriff solemn, compared to the pre-COVID level of 11 weeks and the peak level of 52 weeks during the recovery period.
  • 357 sheriff summary evidence led trials commenced, which is 62% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • 4,307 sheriff summary cases were concluded which is 83% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • The average time between pleading diet and evidence led trial is 31 weeks for sheriff summary, compared to the pre-COVID level of 23 weeks and the peak level of 53 weeks during the recovery period.
  • 1,586 Justice of the Peace cases were concluded which is 57% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • The average time between pleading diet and evidence led trial is 23 weeks for Justice of the Peace, compared to the pre-COVID level of 22 weeks.
General
20 January 2026 Communications