Sheriff Court
| Sheriff Court | |
|---|---|
| Established | Various (first established in the medieval period) |
| Jurisdiction | Scotland |
| Composition method | Civil and criminal court |
| Authorized by | Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service |
| Website | Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service |
The Sheriff Court is a key component of the judicial system in Scotland, handling the majority of civil and criminal cases in the country. The Sheriff Courts are organized geographically into six sheriffdoms, each overseen by a Sheriff Principal.[1]
History
The origins of the Sheriff Court date back to the medieval period when local sheriffs were appointed to administer justice and maintain order. The system evolved over centuries, with significant reforms introduced in the 19th and 20th centuries to streamline court procedures and improve efficiency.[2]
Jurisdiction
The Sheriff Court has jurisdiction over both civil and criminal matters. It is the principal court for many legal issues in Scotland, except for the most serious cases, which are heard by the High Court of Justiciary or the Court of Session.
Civil Cases
- Family law (e.g., divorce and child custody)
- Debt recovery
- Personal injury claims[3]
- Housing disputes
References
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20151004093214/https://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/docs/default-source/civil-courts-reform/report-of-the-scottish-civil-courts-review-vol-1-chapt-1---9.pdf?sfvrsn=4
- ↑ "Sheriff Courts and Sheriffdoms in Scotland - Scots Law". www.scottishlaw.org.uk. Retrieved 2024-11-19.
- ↑ http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2013/152/contents/made