Coronavirus (COVID-19): Justice Analytical Services Data Report - December 2020

Seventh release of a monthly data report on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the justice system in Scotland, including information from Police Scotland, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, and Scottish Prison Service.

This document is part of a collection


First substantive marking

When COPFS receive a report that someone has committed a crime the prosecutor must decide whether and what action to take. This is recorded on the case as a "marking". If a decision cannot be taken immediately, an interim marking may be recorded. When a substantive decision is reached a First Substantive Marking (FSM) is recorded, to indicate how the prosecutor has decided to proceed.

The number of accused given a FSM by COPFS has returned to pre-lockdown levels. However the number of unmarked and interim marked cases (work in progress) continues to increase beyond pre COVID levels.

Bar graph showing a breakdown of COPFS markings.

Contact

Email: Justice_Analysts@gov.scot

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