Scottish crown office announces iPads to be introduced to Scots courts in pilot trial
Procurator fiscal deputes will use a specially developed app on iPads at selected sheriff court hearings in Falkirk, Perth and Lerwick to review and manage case documents inside court, the crown office and procurator fiscal service (COPFS) in Scotland has announced.
Tablet devices will be used in selected cases in Scotland
The devices will be used in summary cases and will only feature during pleading and intermediate diets, not trials. Crown agent and chief executive of COPFS, Catherine Dyer, said: "COPFS recognises the need for innovation and the use of new technologies. This latest development follows on previous successful initiative using modern technology, such as texting of witnesses.
"Prosecutors recognise the need to maximise our efficiency and reduce our carbon footprint. This pilot is expected to dramatically reduce the current need for huge amounts of paperwork, free up valuable staff time and further improve the security of our case information."
The use of electronic devices is strictly prohibited in court under Scots law, making the move a major modern step for the crown office. The pilot is expected to cost around £310,000 and could be rolled out across the country later in the year if it is successful.