More Scottish Courts are set to be closed in 2015, despite claims from critics that as a result of cuts court standards in Scotland are falling.
A freedom of information request showed that cases expected to take on average six to eight weeks in Glasgow’s domestic abuse court, took up to 16 weeks, with one case taking over 75 weeks.
The freedom of information request also revealed that power of attorney registrations increased from an average of 30 days to 20 weeks.
Resulted in Poorer Service
Critics claim that cost cutting by the Scottish Courts Service (SCS) has resulted in a poorer service with victims being made to wait for a verdict and adequate closure. Despite these claims, the SCS announced that they were to invest further in courts and that the money saving measures and closure of courts was not the reason for longer trials.
Despite criticism from groups such as the Law Society of Scotland, the SCS believes that case times are improving in Scotland. In March, only 50% of sheriff cases were being heard within the recommended 16 weeks, but this has since risen to 60% of all cases.
Kim Leslie, convener of the Law society's civil justice committee said: "The impact of a delay on a victim is extraordinary.
"Justice delayed is justice denied. It is very stressful going to court for most of us.
"The idea of having to wait longer for your case to be heard can only be putting pressure on victims, witnesses, everyone involved in the process."
2014 saw 13 courts close in Scotland, with at least four more expected to close in 2015.
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