Why is the National Indicator important?
Nine out of ten criminal court cases in Scotland are dealt with in the summary (non-jury) courts. We need to ensure that justice in those courts is efficient and effective. This will save time and expense, avoid wasted effort and reduce the demands made on victims and witnesses. Swift action in our summary courts will help make a clear link between the offence and punishment - something which may reduce the likelihood of that offender going on to commit further crimes.
What will influence this National Indicator?
A wide variety of factors influence this, including:
- Timely and well formed reporting of cases by the police to Procurators Fiscal.
- Timely decision taking in cases by Procurators Fiscal.
- Sufficient capacity in courts to deal with the volume of cases.
- Well-prepared prosecution and defence.
- Accused persons and witnesses attending at court when required.
- Crime patterns, crime levels and detection rates.
- The nature of crimes reported: the target does not include crimes dealt with before a jury or those crimes that are not the subject of court proceedings.
What is the Government's role?
We will work with all criminal justice organisations to ensure that recent summary justice reforms are implemented - we will monitor their progress regularly and respond to any issues that arise. We need to make full use of non-court based measures, for example fixed penalty notices and fiscal fines to ensure that only those cases that need to go to court do so. For those cases that do need to go to court, we will ensure they are better prepared and progress more speedily. And, of course, we need to make sure that those accused of committing crimes have access to legal representation and adequate information about their case.
How are we performing?
The percentage of summary court cases dealt with within 26 weeks remained broadly the same between 2005-06 and 2006-07, at 65%. However data for 2007-08 indicates an increase to 67%.
Source: Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service
Methodology
This evaluation is based on: any difference within +/- 1 percentage points of last year's figure suggests that the position is more likely to be maintaining than showing any change. An increase of 1 percentage points or more suggests the position is improving; whereas a decrease of 1 percentage points or more suggests the position is worsening.
For information on general methodological approach, please click here.
Further Information
2007 Spending Review Technical Note
Statistics Topic Page
Who are our supporting delivery partners?
Related Strategic Objective(s)
Wealthier and Fairer
Safer and Stronger