The work of sheriff and jury criminal courts is to be scrutinised in an independent review, the Scottish Government announced yesterday.

The work of sheriff and jury criminal courts is to be scrutinised in an independent review, the Scottish Government announced yesterday.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said its findings would be reported to ministers by summer next year. Edward Bowen, sheriff principal for the Lothian and Borders area, will examine "practice and procedure" in sheriff and jury cases.

It follows two other Government-commissioned re-views which led to changes in High Court procedures and the summary justice system.

The review will produce recommendations for "the more efficient and cost-effective operation" of sheriff and jury courts in the interests of justice and to reduce "inconvenience and stress" to witnesses and victims.

Crown, courts service, police and defence experts will also be involved.

The review follows a suggestion to The Herald by Gerard Sinclair, chief executive of the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission, that a debate is required on the future validity of juries in certain cases, as trials become increasingly complex and background information is available on the internet at the touch of a button.

Last month, a jury trial in the US was abandoned after it was discovered that the jury had been accessing information about the accused on the internet.

At present, it is up to individual judges to direct jurors regarding the limits of their roles. Jurors in Scotland are no longer kept in hotels until the case has been decided.

Jurors are not supposed to seek information outside court and are required to reach a verdict based only on facts the judge decides are admissible.

Mr MacAskill said: "There is much to be proud of in our independent criminal justice system. However, we must ensure that all its parts remain fair, effective and efficient. Sheriff Principal Bowen's review will help ensure that."