In the April issue of The Firm we will publish the findings of our research into the legal profession’s perceptions of Scotland’s Sheriffs.
The research project was launched last month when questionnaires were sent to The Firm’s readership. The questionnaires asked them to rank each of the full-time Sheriffs sitting in their area in a range of criteria including Courtesy, Attitude, Speed & Efficiency, Legal Knowledge, Compassion, Clarity, and to assess the harshness or leniency of their judgments. The response to the research so far has been outstanding.
However, debate has been furious on the ethics of ranking Scotland’s Sheriffs, as Donald B. Reid, chairman at Mitchells Robertson, explains in his letter printed on page 9.
Gordon Young, publisher of The Firm, said: “When these results are published next month I am sure it will stimulate a great deal of debate, which can only be a good thing for any judicial system. The top line findings so far have given us a real insight into what Scotland’s lawyers think of Scotland’s Sheriffs, in which areas they think they perform very well and in which areas their performance leaves a little to be desired.”
If you received a questionnaire that you have not yet returned there is still time to have your say. Please return it in the pre-paid envelope supplied.