All civil cases could transfer to sheriff court
Paper for Lord Justice Clerk's review body proposes Court of Session as appeal body
Proposals being considered by the Lord Justice Clerk, Lord Gill, could mean all civil cases in Scotland beginning in the sheriff court, according to an article in today's Herald.
Lord Gill is currently leading a review into the conduct of civil litigation, a two year project announced by the previous Scottish Executive in February. According to the newspaper, he has commissioned a paper on how cases could be moved to the sheriff courts, with the Court of Session's role becoming that of an appeal body. Consultations will follow on the proposal.
The main question surrounding the idea is likely to be whether the sheriff courts could cope with the increased workload.
Earlier this month the Justice Secretary announced an increase to £5,000 in the minimum value of case that can be brought in the Court of Session.
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