Review of Expenses and Funding of Civil Litigation In Scotland
The Minister for Community Safety, Fergus Ewing MSP, announced on 4 March 2011 that Sheriff Principal James Taylor had been asked to undertake a review of the costs and funding of litigation in Scotland.
This review was recommended by the then Lord Justice Clerk, Lord Gill, in his report of the Review of the Scottish Civil Courts. Sheriff Principal Taylor began the review in May 2011 and it is anticipated that a final report will be issued in the summer of 2013. The final report will be sent to the Scottish Ministers for consideration of further action, on completion.
Mr Ewing said:
"It is this Government's desire to make Scotland a forum of choice for litigation and to ensure Access to Justice for all Scotland's population. This review will better inform the costs of litigation, the barriers which prevent access to the courts for some and consider what alternative options there may in the context of the Scottish Civil Courts Review conducted by Lord Gill."