More significant are factors such as the seriousness and complexity of cases. The evidence is that serious criminal cases form an increasing proportion of all criminal business. Demand for court time is also increased by legislative change and procedural change. The principal factors which drive the workload of the courts are outwith SCS control. The overall trend is of continuous growth.
Growth is projected to continue for the planning period.
There is also a continuing trend for individual cases to take longer and for a greater proportion of cases to go to trial or proof rather than being resolved on a guilty plea or settling without a hearing. It will also be possible for an accused to challenge any actions of the prosecution on convention grounds from 20 May 1999 when the Lord Advocate becomes a member of the Scottish Executive. ECHR points have also featured as grounds of appeal in the Criminal Appeal Court. Although the point in the particular case was unsuccessful, similar cases in future could make a further demand on resources, particularly in the High Court. This is welcome, but it will lead to significant additional load at all levels and particularly on headquarters staff.