No new jury trials are to begin in Scotland while the coronavirus crisis continues.
The Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service announced on Tuesday that no new juries would be empanelled until further notice.
Under Scotland’s legal system members of the public serve as jurors in solemn trials in high courts and sheriff courts, whilst judges alone issue determinations in summary trials.
At Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on Tuesday, several cases were continued for which trials were due to be held in the coming weeks.
The SCTS said: “Based on the government’s response to coronavirus we are continually reviewing the operation of the courts and tribunals, to ensure that essential services are maintained as far as possible and that we take appropriate measures to protect the health of all court users.
“As a result from today, March 17, no new criminal jury trials will be commenced or new juries empanelled until further notice. This will be kept under review.
“Where jury trials have already commenced these will run to conclusion of the trial, if practical to do so.”
It said jurors already cited for trials due to begin would be advised not to attend court and that further measures were to be announced in the coming days.
