structure

• structure of the courts - high courts

  the high court is scotlands highest criminal court, it deals with solemn cases such as murder and rape. the case is presided over by a judge and a jury of 15. they can impose unlimited fines & sentences. for example the trial of the murderer of schoolgirl paige doherty was held in glasgow’s high court.
• structure of the courts - sheriff courts

  they deal with most civil and criminal cases that go to court, there are 49 sheriff courts around scotland, a sheriff is a solicitor or advocate who has over 10 years of courtroom knowledge. for example former SNP MP natalie mcgarry was found guilty of embezzling £25,000 at glasgow sheriff court in 2022
• structure of the courts - justice of the peace

  they are the lowest level of criminal court, they handle less serious crimes such as traffic offences and drink and disorderly. they can impose a fine up to £2500 or 60 days of imprisonment, for example former rangers star jermain defoe received a ban from driving at glasgows JP court.