Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service
For media enquiries about the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) including, for example, strategic issues, policies, statistical matters and building concerns, contact communications or phone 0131 444 3310.
Court case information
For factual information about cases in court please contact the relevant court directly. SCTS Communications does not hold case information.
Published court documents can be accessed at:
- Judgments - Please note that the judgments listed are those considered by the judiciary to be of significance because of a point of law or particular public interest. Not all judgments are published on the website.
- Contempt of court orders - Court made orders postpone publication of reports of proceedings in listed cases. Media requiring the terms of a specific order can contact one of the following;
- High Court of Justiciary, Justiciary Office, Edinburgh 0131 240 6905
- Court of Session, General Department, Edinburgh 0131 240 6743
- sheriff court, see Court Locations - to the right.
Section 47 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (here) prohibits the publication of the name, address, school or any particulars calculated to lead to the identification of any person under the age of 18 who is an accused, victim or witness in criminal proceedings. Reporting Restrictions for under 18's
A Media Guide has also been produced for SCTS staff to assist in their dealings with the media. This may be useful as an indication of what information may be available.
Judicial matters
For enquiries about judicial matters or information about the judiciary (apart from the name of a presiding judge which can be provided by the Court) contact the communications team of the Judicial Office by emailing Judicial Communications , or visit Judiciary of Scotland.
Other media contacts
Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service
Contact the communications team for all inquiries about Crown prosecutions and petition stage hearings:
0844 561 3984
MediaRelations@copfs.gov.uk
Faculty of Advocates
Contact if you require a comment from the Faculty of Advocates in either a criminal or civil case or on a more general legal issue.
0131 226 5071
clerkoffaculty@advocates.org.uk
Scottish Government Justice Communications Team
Contact for media queries and comments relating to the Justice portfolio and Justice Ministers of the Scottish Government.
0131 244 2960
CommunicationsJustice@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Law Society of Scotland
The Law Society of Scotland can comment on a wide range of legal issues, including proposed changes to legislation in Scotland, the UK and Europe.
0131 226 7411
comms@lawscot.org.uk
Scottish Prison Service
The Communications branch of the Scottish Prison Service deals with queries relating to prisons including prison policy, procedures, events and incidents.
0131 330 3606/3609
gaolinfo@sps.gov.uk
Scottish Police Services Authority (SPSA)
Media issues relating to SPSA are dealt with through the corporate communications team. These include training (through the Scottish Police College), ICT, forensic services, criminal justice information and intelligence systems in addition to all of the SCDEA's activities.
0141 435 1240/1241
media@spa.pnn.police.uk
https://www.spa.police.uk/
Police Scotland
Police Scotland was formally established on 1 April 2013 and took over responsibility for policing in Scotland from the eight former police forces, the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency and the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland.
Contact Police Scotland
The Supreme UK Court
The Supreme Court is the final court of appeal in the UK for civil cases and for criminal cases from England, Wales and Northern Ireland but not Scotland. It also hears cases involving devolution matters in Scotland and Wales.
The Supreme Court, Parliament Square, London, SW1P 3BD
General Enquiries 020 7960 1500 or 1900
enquiries@supremecourt.gsi.gov.uk
Legal Terms
Scottish legal terms may be different from those used in England and Wales.
| Scottish |
English and Welsh |
| accused |
defendant |
| aliment |
alimony |
| arbiter |
arbitrator |
| co-accused |
co-defender |
| culpable homicide |
manslaughter |
| defender (civil) |
defendant |
| expenses |
costs |
| fire-raising |
arson |
| housebreaking |
burglary |
| interdict |
injunction |
| continued |
reserved |
| confirmation |
probate (wills) |
| pursuer |
plaintiff |
| reset |
receiving |
| uttering (presenting) |
forgery |