Sheriff court proceedings in Scotland should be recorded, Criminal & Civil.

Background

Require audio-visual recording of all Sheriff court hearings in Scotland both civil & criminal whether in person, by video link, or hybrid & retain for a minimum of 4 weeks. Obtainable by parties for a small fee if required.

Additional details

Mandatory audio-visual recording would: • Protect parties from unfair treatment and judicial errors; • Provide a reliable record for appeals, complaints, and reviews; • Strengthen transparency and public confidence in the justice system; and • Support vulnerable and self-represented people in protecting their rights. This reform would bring Scotland in line with other jurisdictions and could be implemented using existing Webex technology in the courts.