The Scottish Court System

Sherriffdoms

There are 49 Sheriff Courts in Scotland which cover a Sheriff Court District. These districts are known as Sheriffdoms. Scotland is split into six sheriffdoms. These are –

  • Glasgow and Strathkelvin
  • Grampian, Highland and Islands;
  • Lothian and Borders;
  • North Strathclyde;
  • South Strathclyde, Dumfries and Galloway;
  • Tayside, Central and Fife

Each Sheriffdom has a sheriff principal charged with a number of duties in respect of the courts for which they are responsible. These duties include a duty “to secure the efficient disposal of business in the sheriff courts of that Sheriffdom”.

Criminal Court Scene

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Criminal Court Scene
Witness Box Sheriff Prosecution Lawyer Defence Lawyer Clerk of Court Court Officer Jury Press & Media Accused Public Gallery Witness Rooms

Witness Box

The witness box is directly opposite the jury box. This ensures that the Jury (if it’s a High Court or Sheriff and Jury trial), the Judge, the Prosecution Lawyer, and the Defence Lawyer have a clear view of a witness whilst they give their evidence.

Sheriff

They are the decision maker. The Sheriff will preside over the Court hearing. They will make legal decisions and ensure justice is served.

Prosecution Lawyer

Crimes in Scotland are prosecuted on behalf of the Crown by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS). Lawyers employed by COPFS will present the Crown’s case at any criminal trial.

Defence Lawyer

Clerk of Court

Court Officer

The Court Officer helps to ensure the work of the law courts in Scotland is conducted in an orderly and efficient manner. Also known as macer.

Jury

In Scotland there are 15 jurors and so 15 seats in the jury box.

Press & Media

Press and Media will often attend Court hearings and will prepare short news reports on the trials they observe.

Accused

The person accused of committing a crime.

Public Gallery

Members of the public (over the age of 14) are welcome to attend Court to watch most court hearings. From the public gallery, they can watch and listen to the witnesses, lawyers, and judge. Hearings involving children are generally held in closed court and in these cases the public gallery would be closed.

Witness Rooms

There are separate waiting rooms for prosecution witnesses and defence witnesses. These rooms will either have direct access into the courtroom or will be located close to the courtroom.