Written Question · S1W-17060 · Session 1
How many prosecutions marked by the Procurators Fiscal for solemn proceedings were returned from the Crown Office marked down for summary j…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive how many prosecutions marked by the Procurators Fiscal for solemn proceedings were returned from the Crown Office marked down for summary jury trial in the sheriff court, expressed also as a percentage of total criminal prosecutions, in 1996-97, 1997-98, 1998-99, 1999-2000 and 2000-01 to date.
The answer
It is assumed that "summary jury trial" should read summary trial.Statistics do not exist to show the number of summary prosecutions commenced as a result of Crown Counsel's instructions. The statistics for all reductions from petition procedure to summary proceedings whether by Procurator Fiscal or Crown Counsel are as follows.Cases reduced from preliminary solemn proceedings to summary proceedingsReduction to Summary | 1996-97 | 1997-98 | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01
1,409 | 1,753 | 1,652 | 1,409 | 1,493
Cases reduced from preliminary solemn proceedings to summary proceedings, expressed as a percentage of all criminal prosecutionsReduction to Summary as % of total court disposals | 1996-97 | 1997-98 | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01
0.9% | 1.2% | 1.2% | 1.1% | 1.3%
It should be noted that the decision of a Procurator Fiscal to place an accused on petition is not an expression of his or her view of where proceedings should ultimately be taken. It is a preliminary procedure which is followed by further investigation and consideration of the case.
1,409 | 1,753 | 1,652 | 1,409 | 1,493
Cases reduced from preliminary solemn proceedings to summary proceedings, expressed as a percentage of all criminal prosecutionsReduction to Summary as % of total court disposals | 1996-97 | 1997-98 | 1998-99 | 1999-2000 | 2000-01
0.9% | 1.2% | 1.2% | 1.1% | 1.3%
It should be noted that the decision of a Procurator Fiscal to place an accused on petition is not an expression of his or her view of where proceedings should ultimately be taken. It is a preliminary procedure which is followed by further investigation and consideration of the case.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S1W-17060 by reference.