Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) is an independent body responsible for managing Scotland's courts and tribunals. It was established in 2010 under the Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008 to support the Scottish judiciary and ensure the efficient administration of justice. 
Overview
The SCTS provides services for the Court of Session, High Court of Justiciary, Sheriff Court, Justice of the Peace Court and various tribunals.http://legislation.gov.uk/asp/2008/6

Duties
 Managing court buildings and facilities
 Maintaining the security of courts in partnership with Police Scotland
 Providing administrative support to all courts and tribunals in Scotland
 Ensuring access to justice for all individuals, including accommodations for persons with disabilities
 Supporting the judiciary, including the Lord President of the Court of Session, who also serves as the head of the SCTS Board

Governance
The SCTS is governed by a board chaired by the Lord President of the Court of Session, the most senior judge in Scotland. Other board members include judicial representatives, tribunal members and lay members with expertise in finance, business and public administration. The Chief Executive, Eric McQueen, oversees daily operations and implements the board's strategic vision.http://legislation.gov.uk/asp/2007/6

Court network
 Superior Courts: Court of Session and High Court of Justiciary
 Justice of the Peace Courts: Handle minor criminal offenses
 Sheriff Courts: Scotland's primary local courts for civil and criminal cases
 Tribunals: Including the Lands Tribunal for Scotland and the Housing and Property Chamber

Digital transformation
 Digital case management systems
 Online payment systems for fines and fees
 Remote hearing technology, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic
Budget
For the financial year 2022–2023, the SCTS had an allocated budget of £153 million for court operations, facilities and staff salaries.

Independence
Although the SCTS works closely with the Scottish Government, it operates independently to ensure judicial impartiality and uphold the rule of law in Scotland within the constitutional framework of the United Kingdom.

Related pages
 Devolution
 Sheriff Court
 Court of Session
 High Court of Justiciary
 Justice of the Peace Court
 Supreme Court of the United Kingdom

Other websites
 Judiciary of Scotland
 Official website of the SCTS

References

Category:Europe
Category:Scotland
Category:United Kingdom
Category:Organisations based in Scotland