Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Related legal acts

Key definition

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service definition

What does Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service mean? In practice, the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) runs the day-to-day administration of Scotland’s courts and devolved tribunals, supporting judges, tribunal members and users. Its functions are set out in legislation (principally the Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008, with tribunal responsibilities provided under the Tribunals (Scotland) Act 2014). It operates as an independent statutory body governed by a board chaired by the Lord President, helping to safeguard judicial independence. SCTS provides staffing, estate and security management, IT and digital services, case registration and listing, courtroom support and records management. It publishes forms and operational guidance and administers payment of...

Scottish summary criminal appeals: procedures for preliminary objections, stated cases, bills of advocation/suspension, sentence appeals, compatibility issues, Sheriff Appeal Court, High Court of Justiciary, SCCRC, and 2025 reforms

Published by a LexisNexis Corporate Crime expert

Practice notes

This Practice Note outlines how appeal processes operate within Scottish summary criminal matters. For guidance on appeals in solemn cases in Scotland, consult Practice Note: Scottish criminal appeals—Solemn procedure. For fuller direction on the Scottish summary process, see Practice Note: Summary procedure in Scottish criminal proceedings. More broadly, see Practice Note: The investigation and prosecution of criminal offences in Scotland.

Update effective 1 December 2025: modernisation of criminal court procedure

Several enduring lasting changes have been enacted by the Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Act 2025, displacing the earlier temporary procedural arrangements brought in during the COVID-19 pandemic. Practitioners should read every procedural reference in this Practice Note through the lens of these legislative revisions.

Electronic signatures and document transmission

Under CP(S)A 1995, ss 303C–303F, documents in criminal proceedings may bear electronic signatures and be sent electronically to an accused or their legal representative, subject to the requirements set out in those provisions.

Virtual attendance at hearings

The court may disapply the need for in-person attendance at evidential hearings and require participation by electronic means, provided this would not compromise the fairness of the proceedings or conflict with the interests of justice (CP(S)A 1995, s 303G)...

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Wendy Culross

Faculty of Advocates, Optimum Advocates

Since calling to the Scottish bar in 2013 Wendy has been involved in a number of large and complex trials. She has a particular interest in Health and Safety cases following an involvement in a number of such cases while a procurator fiscal depute and deals with breaches following HSE investigations, as well as technical breaches of regulations, and cases arising from Local Authority and police investigations.Wendy represents clients at all levels of criminal case, including enjoying a busy appellate practice. She deals with criminal trials and appeals; as well as frequently representing clients in debates on preliminary issues and pleas in bar of trial. Wendy’s technical knowledge is renowned, and she is often approached for her expertise in complex and unusual issues, given her ability to analyse cases forensically and engage with innovative solutions.Wendy has been at the forefront of the...

Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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