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The Scottish court system

Study note

Because Scotland has its own legal system, it also has its own set of courts with their own names. Minor criminal cases in Scotland are heard in a Justice of the Peace Court. Many cases, both criminal and civil, are dealt with in the Sheriff Court, which sits in the middle of the system and handles a large share of everyday cases.

The most serious cases go to higher courts. The most serious criminal cases in Scotland, such as murder, are heard in the High Court, while serious civil cases go to the Court of Session in Edinburgh. A Scottish criminal jury has 15 members. For the test, remember the ladder: Justice of the Peace Court for minor crime, the Sheriff Court for many criminal and civil cases, the High Court for the most serious crimes, and the Court of Session for serious civil cases.

Memory tip: Scotland: Justice of the Peace Court, Sheriff Court, High Court; Court of Session for big civil cases.

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Question 1 of 4

In Scotland, which court deals with many criminal and civil cases?

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Show all questions and answers for The Scottish court system(4 questions with explanations)

The Scottish court system: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. In Scotland, which court deals with many criminal and civil cases?

    • The magistrates' court
    • The County Court
    • The Sheriff Court
    • The Crown Court

    Correct answer: The Sheriff Court

    In Scotland, the Sheriff Court deals with many criminal and civil cases.

  2. 2. In Scotland, the most serious criminal cases such as murder are heard in which court?

    • The Sheriff Court
    • The High Court
    • The Justice of the Peace Court
    • The County Court

    Correct answer: The High Court

    The most serious criminal cases in Scotland are heard in the High Court.

  3. 3. Where are serious civil cases dealt with in Scotland?

    • The magistrates' court
    • The High Court in London
    • The County Court
    • The Court of Session in Edinburgh

    Correct answer: The Court of Session in Edinburgh

    Serious civil cases in Scotland are dealt with in the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

  4. 4. In Scotland, minor criminal offences are dealt with in which court?

    • The Crown Court
    • The Youth Court
    • The Justice of the Peace Court
    • The County Court

    Correct answer: The Justice of the Peace Court

    Minor criminal offences in Scotland are dealt with in the Justice of the Peace Court.

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