As lockdown lifts and life slowly begins to return to normality, many of us will be thinking about getting back out and about. Staycations and driving holidays have been encouraged to avoid quarantine and last-minute disappointment of foreign destinations being red-listed. However, with thousands of Brits expected to take to the unfamiliar and narrow country roads this summer, there is cause for concern that road traffic accidents and offences could rise exponentially.

Back in October 2019, the overwhelming approval of the smacking ban bill by MSPs dominated the headlines. One year on, the new law is officially in force, making Scotland the first country in the UK to criminalise physical punishment of children. The reform has been praised for being “a momentous step in making [Scotland] a country where children's rights are truly recognised, respected and fulfilled”. However, it has also been heavily criticised for its potential to intervene in family life and blacklist, or even give criminal records to, loving parents who pose no risk to their children. 

Amid concerns that the coronavirus lockdown measures could cause an increase in domestic abuse cases, the charity Crimestoppers Scotland has launched a campaign encouraging anyone who hears or sees abusive behaviour to come forward. 

While all areas of business are affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, essential services such as courts and tribunals must ensure minimal disruption to the lives of the public. The criminal justice system is an integral part of society, and as a result, has had to adapt and adopt new working methods to continue running. 

The COVID-19 outbreak has required organisations all over the world to adapt to new ways of working. The Scottish Criminal Courts are in the same position, and as an essential service, the courts must adopt modern technology to continue to function. However, unlike other businesses, the courts face the distinct challenge of balancing the right to a fair trial, with dispensing justice.