Swifter justice scheme rolled out across Scotland

Lynn MacDonald, from Dundee-based domestic abuse advocacy service Assist, said it had been “a huge benefit” for victims.

“The system is really confusing and difficult for anybody to understand but the line of communication with prosecutors has been really helpful,” she said.

Defence solicitor Matthew McGovern had been sceptical at the outset but now supports the new approach.

“At both a local and national level , defence lawyers have been treated as problem-solvers rather than as problems to be solved,” he said.

“The pilot has proven that when the defence are treated with respect, the administration of justice improves.”

He said the Scottish government could change the legal aid system to encourage involvement from defence lawyers nationwide.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said the approach would make “a significant contribution” to increasing efficiency of the system, alongside new technology which allows evidence to be shared digitally.

The chief executive of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service Malcolm Graham said summary case management was “just one example” within a programme of reforms designed to improve the experience of people who use the justice system.