Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service announces launch of online case tracker

Online justice (computer with scales on screen) - Image credit: Pixabay

The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) is to launch an online case tracker for some civil cases.

Civil Online will allow simple procedure claims – small claims of up to £5,000 – and responses to be made online with electronic submission of documents and the creation of a digital case file.

The tracker is being delivered in a series of phases, with phase one to be launched in March.

The initial phase will allow claimants, respondents and their representatives to see their case details.

They will also be able to see the date and time of any hearings for the case and the description of any documents lodged in the case or created by the court.

Phase two will allow claimants and respondents, and their representatives, to submit simple procedure claims and responses and other documents and applications online.

They will then also be able to open, view and print the electronic documents including court documentation and documents submitted online by different parties. 

SCTS said that while the intention is to make Civil Online a modern means of submitting simple procedure claims, there will continue to be an alternative available for those who cannot access the digital process.

Eric McQueen, Chief Executive of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, said: “This is an important step on our journey towards electronic case handling.

“Simple procedure was designed as a court process to provide a speedy, inexpensive and informal way to resolve civil disputes where the value is less than £5,000.

“Enabling online case tracking is our first step towards making this a straightforward secure online application process in the future.

“Phase 1 provides current users with access to helpful case tracking information online and is the foundation for Civil Online.”