Digital sheriff court processes coming?

Sheriff Court Rules Council consults on extending IT in civil cases

News, 18 October 2004

The Sheriff Court Rules Council is currently consulting on extending the use of information technology in civil cases in the sheriff court.

The Council has issued a paper inviting responses to recommendations of its IT committee that after a short pilot scheme, electronic transmission, lodging and storage should be competent for initial writs and applications, notice of intention to defend and defences, closed records, motions and minutes. Interlocutors should be transmitted electronically and the system should be operated by use of a website that provides positive confirmation of receipt.

The new system would be operated in parallel with the existing paper system for a two-year period, after which only in limited circumstances would paper still be used.

For summary causes and small claims there would be a "virtualised central court" on which every action would be logged. Unless it was defended or a hearing was otherwise required, it would be dealt with entirely electronically at the site.

The consultation paper and questions for response can be found in the "submissions" section of this site. Responses are due by 15 November.