Public body administering Scotland’s courts and tribunals
Prison overcrowding is driving a major policy rethink. Government plans to accelerate prison-building and expand early release schemes have been revised after public backlash and safety concerns. Officials are also deporting foreign prisoners and reviewing IPP sentences to free up space, with new measures to monitor released prisoners.
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service has warned that average wait times for High Court indictments could rise to about 135 weeks by 2028/29 as crime rates and case complexity grow. Expansion of venues is planned, and digital reforms are sought to cut delays, but funding remains essential.
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service has forecast that average wait times from charge to verdict could rise to about 135 weeks for High Court cases by 2028/29. The pressure stems from a sharp rise in indictments, especially in serious sexual offences and domestic abuse, and a push to modernise court processes amid funding gaps.
A series of updates on Scotland’s justice system include expanded GPS monitoring for high-risk suspects, a new safety fund for women and girls, and calls for tighter bail conditions. Authorities report rising charges and delays, while victims and advocates press for stronger protections and faster prosecution.