Jamieson: New reforms

A series of reforms to non-jury courts have been announced by the Scottish Executive.

The move is designed to reduce crime and restore public confidence in Scottish criminal justice services.

Non-jury or 'summary' justice accounts for 96 per cent of criminal court business in Scotland.

The key reforms outlined on Tuesday include a new training and appraisal programme within the justice system.

Sheriff and District courts will be brought together over time for increased efficiency savings and a quicker more responsive system.

The maximum level of fines handed out by courts and the sentencing powers of sheriffs will be increased.

Justice minister Cathy Jamieson said: "I believe people want a service that is more efficient: swifter, smarter justice with more feedback about how cases are being dealt with.

"A single system of administration means we can make best use of resources to ensure that courts are available when cases need to be heard.

"This process will be introduced sheriffdom by sheriffdom, ensuring a sensible rollout with consultation with key stakeholders and staff."

Flexibility

The Lord Advocate Colin Boyd said the changes being brought in were aimed at increasing flexibility and dealing with offenders on a case by case basis.

He said: "We must avoid the one size fits all approach and make sure that the accused are dealt with appropriately.

"This will include alternatives to prosecution for suitable offenders but also improved handling arrangements when alleged offenders are prosecuted in court."

And Boyd added: "A court case is an intensive and time-consuming process. Necessary in some cases but not all.

"We need a shorter, more proportionate response to less serious offending. Thats what this package seeks to achieve."

The announcement was broadly welcomed by the SNP, but the party urged the Executive to ensure national guidelines were put in place so the system was delivered uniformly across Scotland.

Shadow justice spokesman Kenny MacAskill said: "Reform of the system is much needed; we hope that the implementation of the changes proposed will help modernise our justice system. 

"While the structural changes within the system are overdue, the judiciary and fiscals now need time to bed this new system in without the hindrance of political tinkering and press stunts by the Executive."