Scottish Court System Flashcards
What is the High Court in Scotland?
The High Court is Scotland’s highest criminal court, dealing with the most serious crimes.
What types of crimes does the High Court deal with?
It deals with crimes like treason, murder, rape, armed robbery, drug trafficking, and child sexual offences.
Is there a limit to the punishment in the High Court?
No, there is no limit to the punishment that can be handed down.
Give an example of a case dealt with in the High Court.
A pensioner in Paisley was found guilty of attempting to murder a schoolboy by driving a car at him.
What is the Sheriff Court?
The Sheriff Court deals with crimes that are too serious for a Justice of the Peace Court but not serious enough for a High Court.
What types of crimes does the Sheriff Court deal with?
It handles crimes like theft, drug possession, and assault.
What are the sentencing powers of the Sheriff Court?
It can sentence up to 5 years in prison and issue fines. In a summary case, it can sentence up to 12 months in prison or a fine of up to £10,000.
Give an example of a case dealt with in the Sheriff Court.
Two Merseyside men appeared in the Sheriff Court in 2024 for drug possession and supply.
What is the Justice of the Peace Court?
The Justice of the Peace Court is the lowest level in the criminal court system, handled by lay justices with no legal qualifications.
What types of crimes does the Justice of the Peace Court deal with?
It handles less serious crimes like breach of the peace, minor assaults, road traffic offences, and petty theft.
What are the sentencing powers of the Justice of the Peace Court?
It can give custodial sentences of up to 60 days or fines of up to £2,500.
Give an example of a case dealt with in the Justice of the Peace Court.
An Aberdeenshire councillor admitted to breaching the peace in this court.
