New initiative could transform sheriff court proceedings

The Summary Case Management (SCM) Pilot, launched in 2022, will be rolled out to all courts across the country after it was successfully introduced in Glasgow, Paisley, Hamilton, Dundee, and Perth Sheriff Courts.

It is hoped that this will result in early resolution for victims and witnesses, reduce the number of police officers attending court, and substantially decrease case backlogs.

A recently published evaluation of the pilot reveals that cases within the pilot courts are resolving more quickly, particularly in domestic abuse proceedings.

Sheriff Principal Aisha Anwar, who led the pilot, said: “The findings from this final evaluation are very encouraging and provide good cause for optimism.

“The initiative encourages early disclosure of evidence and prompt engagement between the Crown and the defence to allow solicitors and accused persons to assess and discuss the evidence from the outset of proceedings.

“Where appropriate, this results in early resolution avoiding the need for complainers and witnesses to attend court.  

“Where trials are necessary, these have been closely case managed by the judiciary; the evidence is focused and trials are shorter helping to minimise the trauma, inconvenience and delay for complainers, witnesses and accused persons.

“As the report shows, summary case management has the potential to transform the summary criminal justice system and we are committed to expanding the programme nationwide so that court users across the country can benefit.”

Over the 19 months since the initiative was launched more than 500 summary (non-jury) trials did not have to take place in the pilot courts.

During the same period, 18,000 witnesses including approximately 11,000 police officers were not cited or recited to attend court unnecessarily.

The evaluation report found that the pilot has had a positive impact on criminal justice journey times and helped to reduce the backlog of summary trials in the pilot courts.

Despite a higher-than-expected number of new cases in Sheriff courts between 2023-24, the number of summary trials at the pilot courts has reduced by 31 per cent compared to non-pilot courts which rose by 10 per cent.

Malcolm Graham, chief executive of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, added: “The report is clear that victims and witnesses are benefiting from an improved experience and early resolution of cases, while justice partners are seeing significant efficiencies both in the justice system overall and their individual operations.

“SCTS is committed to providing an effective and efficient court and tribunal system for all, and summary case management is just one example within our programme of reforms designed to improve the experience of those who use the justice system.”

The rollout of the initiative has been welcomed by a range of organisations involved in the justice system.

Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Wendy Middleton said: “In addition to the obvious benefits to victims, Police Scotland is seeing a reduction of first issue citations for domestic abuse cases by up to 34 per cent in all pilot courts which equates to around 5000 citations not being served on operational officers.

“This reduction is welcomed by Police Scotland as more officers are available to deliver a policing service in local communities.

“It also ensures that officers can be rested appropriately, ensuring that they remain fit and well to continue to deliver an effective service.”