A pilot scheme which aims to resolve domestic abuse cases early has been extended to Scotland’s busiest court to assess how it can be scaled up to a national level.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance visited Glasgow Sheriff Court on Wednesday to welcome the introduction of the summary case management (SCM) pilot to the city’s court.
It follows success at Dundee, Hamilton and Paisley Sheriff Courts, with an interim report published in November showing at least 250 summary trials did not need to assigned because an early resolution was reached.
The pilot sees fewer witnesses attending court unnecessarily by facilitating the early disclose of evidence, early engagement between the Crown and defence and early case management.