Explanatory Notes

Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003

2003 asp 7

26 March 2003

The Act The Act is in 12 parts.

Part 12 – Miscellaneous and General

Miscellaneous

Section 80 – Television link from court to prison or other place of detention

446.Section 80 provides for certain court proceedings, not including a hearing at which evidence is to be heard on the charge, to take place by live television link between a prison and the High Court and Sheriff Court.

447.The accused will use this link to watch the proceedings and communicate with the court and with those representing him or her as if present in court in person.

448.The court retains discretion to halt this arrangement before or during the diet and to postpone or adjourn the proceedings to the next court day, not being a Saturday, Sunday or court holiday in order that the accused be brought physically before the court. Where a postponement or adjournment occurs, any delay will not count towards  any time limit in respect of the case.