The Scottish Government

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Ministerial foreword

We are delighted to introduce this document which explains how the Scottish Government and Scotland's criminal justice organisations plan to implement reforms to the summary justice system. The vast majority of criminal cases in Scotland are dealt with in the summary courts and it is vital that these courts work well. Our plans draw on the findings of the Summary Justice Review Committee in 2004, led by Sheriff Principal McInnes, and the Criminal Proceedings etc (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007, which had cross-party support in the Scottish Parliament. They have been developed by working in close collaboration with Scotland's criminal justice organisations under the auspices of the National Criminal Justice Board over the past two years.

This paper describes how we will build on these firm foundations and make the reforms work across the country.

There is a need to ensure that justice is done and is done as swiftly as possible. The reforms will have an impact on all victims, witnesses and practitioners who come into contact with the summary justice system. We aim to ensure that fewer cases go to court needlessly, and that those cases which do go to a court get there more quickly, are better prepared and progress more speedily. We aim to save time and expense; to avoid wasted effort; and to reduce the demands made on victims and witnesses.

There is still a lot to do. This is a complex area and it is vital that justice is done in every case. This detailed plan shows how far we are going to ensure a speedier, more efficient system. The reforms to summary case management come at an important time, building upon the successful reforms to the High Court, and it is important that we seize the opportunity to ensure that we have a modern summary justice system, fit for a safer, stronger Scotland in the 21st century.

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