Modest reduction in case delays across Scotland

Median journey times, the date an offence is first known to police to the date of verdict, in 2024-25 were around two years and four months in the High Court, one year and five months in sheriff solemn cases and seven months in summary cases.

Compared to 2023-24, median journey times decreased by one month in the High Court and Sheriff solemn cases and by 11 days in summary courts.

The types of charges faced by an accused affects their journey time, with the longest times occurring for accused persons charged with sexual crimes in the High Court where the median journey time was two years and 11 months.

Justice Secretary Neil Gray said: “These figures show progress in reducing the time most cases take to resolve across all court levels. This reflects targeted Scottish government investment and strong collaboration between justice partners alongside new technology and more effective approaches, including the roll out of a case management system across all sheriff courts. 

“It is promising to see that in 2024-25 the number of cases closed by the Crown Office within a year of being reported to police rose to 87 per cent - up five per cent on the previous year. For court verdicts, 70 per cent were reached within a year – an increase of six per cent on 2023-24.

“Action will continue, particularly in complex cases such as sexual crimes, which take the longest and impact victims, witnesses and accused. We are establishing the Sexual Offences Court to reduce pressure and are expanding the use of pre‑recorded evidence to help victims and witnesses to give evidence earlier.”