Bonomy delivering benefits, says report
15 May 06
High Court reforms produce big rise in guilty pleas and fewer adjournments
The High Court procedure reforms recommended by Lord Bonomy have resulted in more early guilty pleas and more trials going ahead on the due date, according to statistics just released by the Scottish Executive.
Figures for 2005-06 record a 144% rise in early guilty pleas, with a 70% saving in witness citations, and 96% of trials proceeding on the day assigned or the following day. In the period before the reforms were brought in, one in three trials were adjourned at least once and around 15% twice or more.
The reforms include set hearings in advance of the trial to determine the state of readiness of both sides for trial, and fixed trial dates instead of court sittings. The Crown is also voluntarily disclosing its evidence against the accused at an earlier stage, to help the defence give advice on how to plead and prepare their case sooner.
Welcoming the figures, Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson said: "While a full evaluation of the impact of the High Court reforms is underway, today's initial findings show that, one year on, the changes are now delivering some very clear benefits." The full evaluation report is expected later this year.
Ms Jamieson added: "Our challenge now is to build on this success and drive forward much-needed improvements in the non-jury courts, where the bulk of Scotland's justice is delivered."