Jurors have returned to courtrooms in Aberdeen for the first time since the Covid pandemic began more than two years ago.
Jury trials at Aberdeen Sheriff Court and the High Court ground to a halt in 2020 as there was no way to safely accommodate 15 jurors with social distancing rules in place.
The nearby Vue cinema was transformed into a remote jury centre with a live feeds of the solicitors, accused, fiscal and sheriff or judge beamed onto large screens in front of jurors.
Those measures have now been scrapped – and it’s a move that has been roundly welcomed by solicitors in the city.
Solicitor Ian Woodward-Nutt, president of the Aberdeen Bar Association, said: “The introduction of remote juries was seen as an essential element of the response by Scottish courts to Covid-19.
“Court solicitors in Aberdeen and elsewhere have supported such radical steps given the unprecedented demands thrown up by the pandemic.
“However, it is important to recognise the provision of justice demands that the decision-makers in cases, be they judges or juries, are able to see and assess witnesses ‘live’ and in person.
“For this reason, the Aberdeen Bar welcomes the return of juries to our courtrooms.”
Iain Hingston, of Hingston Law, added: “It’s good news as far as I’m concerned and I would imagine for the rest of my colleagues.
“The system that was in place was good for its time and impressive, but nothing beats the face-to-face cut and thrust of the court whereby I think justice can be done properly and can be seen to be done, so I certainly welcome it.”
‘When you’ve got them on a screen it’s just never the same’
Gregor Kelly, a partner with Lefevre Litigation, also welcomed the return of “face-to-face” trials.
He said: “I am pleased that normal service is to be resumed in relation to jury trials.
“Although cinemas have provided a useful means of continuing with jury business through the pandemic, there is no substitute for an accused person being fairly tried by his peers face-to-face.
“On hearing evidence, jurors require to make an assessment of credibility and reliability which is an easier task when the witness is physically before their eyes.”
Mike Monro, a partner with Mackie and Dewar, said: “I much prefer seeing juries face-to-face so as to see how they react to evidence being placed before them.
‘The safety of all court users remains our priority’
“When you’ve got them on a screen it’s just never the same at all, so I’m delighted they’re back.”
David Fraser, the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service executive director of court operations, said: “Remote jury centres were established following a recommendation from Lady Dorrian’s Restarting Solemn Trials Working Group, which made sure that jurors could be physically distanced while hearing evidence and taking part in deliberations about the case.
“Without this innovation, jury trials would not have been possible during the pandemic and backlogs would have far exceeded where they are now.
”The return of jurors to serve in court buildings is another important step in our recovery programme and, as has been the case throughout the pandemic, we rely on, and greatly appreciate, everyone’s ongoing co-operation to enable us to continue to support justice.
“As always, the safety of all court users remains our priority and we will keep our approach under regular review in line with public health guidance.”
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