This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Court advice project to continue
27/03/2002
The Edinburgh Sheriff Court In-Court advice project is set to continue with the announcement today of £213,000 funding over the next three years.
The project, which was introduced in April 1997, was the first service to be established in a Scottish court that provided court-users representing themselves with free legal advice. The Project also incorporates a Mediation Project that was formally linked to the In-court Project in 1998.
The service has been well used and has improved users' understanding of court procedures as well as improving court efficiency.
The extra funding comes after the publication of research showing successful take-up. The main findings were:
- An increased demand for services from the time it was first introduced
- Success in meeting rising demand
- Almost all mediation hearings concluded with an agreement, and all agreements appeared to have been honoured
- Higher levels of participation, control and understanding of court procedure for those representing themselves
- Efficient use of court resources and court time
- Solicitors endorsed the In-court Advice Project for providing them with an opportunity to seek information from and negotiate with unrepresented litigants, via the In-court Adviser
Justice Minister Jim Wallace said:
"It is vital we give courts users support, advice and information to ensure they can fully participate in court processes.
"The research published today demonstrates the success the project has already had in providing advice to those presenting their case in court and its contribution to the efficient use of court resources and court time.
"The project has also been welcomed by sheriffs for increasing levels of participation, control and understanding of court procedure, and for promoting a level playing field in court."
Phase 2 Research into the project was commissioned by the Scottish Executive Central Research Unit and covers the In-court Project and the Mediation Project from 1 December 1998 to 31 August 1999. Elaine Samuel of the University of Edinburgh conducted the research.