Refresher on structures and processes of the Scottish Courts

The Four Levels of Courts in Scotland High Court of the Justiciary Sheriff Court Solemn Sheriff Court District Court

The High Court of the Justiciary A LORD/JUDGE will preside over proceedings The High Court of Justiciary is Scotland's supreme criminal court.High Court of Justiciary As such, it hears cases only on SOLEMN Procedure – i.e. the most serious cases. The High Court is both a court of first instance and also a court of appeal. As a court of first instance, the High Court sits mainly in Parliament House in Edinburgh, but also sits from time to time in various other places in Scotland. As a court of appeal, it sits only in Edinburgh.

Appeals made to the High Court sitting as the Court of Criminal Appeal Appeals can be made from the lower courts in criminal cases. An appeal may also be made to the High Court if the High Court itself heard the case at first instance. Two judges sit to hear an appeal against sentence, and three judges sit to hear an appeal against conviction. There is no further appeal from the High Court's decision on appeal, in contrast to the Court of Session (Civil cases), from which it is possible to appeal to the House of Lords, the UK's highest court.

Solemn Procedure Those charged ‘on petition’ first appear in a closed Sheriff Court even if it is known that eventually the actual trial will be before the High Court. Closed Court is where no public/Social Workers are present. At this point the accused can be ‘committed’ for further examination or ‘fully committed’ for trial. The accused will be remanded in custody or remanded in hospital or granted bail at this time. The trial can be heard in Sheriff or High Court and will be heard in an open Court.

Sheriff Court Solemn Procedure During the process of judicial examination the Crown Office will decide which Court the case will be heard and an indictment will be served on the offender. Sheriff Solemn can sentence up to 5yrs custodial or unlimited fine. If the Sheriff feels that the sentence options are not high enough he/she can remit back to the High Court for sentencing. Whether High Court or Sheriff Solemn, the case will be heard by Judge/Sheriff and Jury when a plea of not guilty is heard.

Sheriff Summary Court Hears cases on summary procedure. A Sheriff will preside over proceedings. A trial will be heard by the Sheriff who determines the verdict of Guilty/Not Guilty/Not Proven. No jury is involved.

Summary procedure Less serious charges Procurator Fiscal arranges for a complaint setting out the relevant charges. Called in open Court. If plea of Not Guilty is tendered then a Trail date is set. If plea of Guilt is tendered the case can be disposed of that day. (Unless Reports are called for) Sentence up to 6 months custodial (for each offence) or £5,000 fine.

District Court Local Courts dealing with minor offences. A Justice of the Peace (Lay Magistrate) presides over proceedings either alone or in threes, with a qualified legal assessor as convener or clerk of court. Matters dealt under summary procedure.

Limitations on the District Court handle cases of breach of the peace, drunkenness, minor assaults, petty theft, and offences under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act The maximum penalty which may be imposed is 60 days' imprisonment or a £2,500 fine.

District Court remits to Sheriff Court Section 52A of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 allows for the District Court to remit certain cases to a Sheriff Court, where a person has been charged in a District Court with an offence punishable by imprisonment and/or it appears to the Court that the person has a mental disorder.

Court Disposals (Other than Mental Health/ AWI Legislation) Custody – length depending on type of Court Custody with extended sentence – Indictment cases Custody with Supervised Release Order – indictment cases Drug Treatment and Testing Orders – not District Court (DC) Restriction of Liberty Orders – not DC Community Service – not DC Probation – with or without conditions Deferred Sentence – for any reason usually between 6 and 12 months Fine / Compensation / Supervised Attendance Orders Admonished