Ministers in boost to civil justice reforms

Sweeping proposals aimed at tackling "fundamental flaws" in Scotland's civil justice system have been broadly endorsed by the Scottish Government.

Ministers said "radical reforms" were justified in light of the problems facing the civil courts. Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill also insisted pressures on public finances made reform more, not less, necessary.

The comments came as the Scottish Government issued its formal response to the biggest review of the civil justice system in modern times.

The review was conducted by the Lord Justice Clerk Lord Gill, and his report was published in September last year. One of the key proposals was a "major transfer of jurisdiction" from the top civil court, the Court of Session, to the sheriff court.

Cases up to 150,000 would be dealt with at sheriff court level, freeing the Court of Session to deal with the biggest cases.