Court of Session Act 1988
1988 c. 36
An Act to consolidate, with amendments to give effect to recommendations of the Scottish Law Commission, certain enactments relating to the constitution, administration and procedure of the Court of Session and procedure on appeal therefrom to the House of Lords; and to repeal, in accordance with recommendations of the Scottish Law Commission, certain enactments relating to the aforesaid matters which are no longer of practical utility.
[29th July 1988]
Act wholly in force at 29th September 1988 see s. 53(2).

Be it enacted by the Queen’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

Part I Constitution and Administration of the Court

1 Number of judges of Court.
(1) Subject to subsections (2), (3) , (3A) and (4) below, the maximum number of judges of the Court of Session (hereinafter in this Act referred to as “the Court”) shall be 36.
S. 1(1) modified (27.9.1999) by 1999 c. 22, ss. 68(3)(c), 108(3)(b) (with Sch. 14 para. 7(2))
Words in s. 1(1) inserted (1.6.2009) by Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008 (asp. 6), ss. 44(2), 76; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 2, Sch.
Word in s. 1(1) substituted (17.3.2022) by The Maximum Number of Judges (Scotland) Order 2022 (S.S.I. 2022/96), arts. 1, 2
(2) Her Majesty may by Order in Council from time to time amend subsection (1) above so as to increase or further increase the maximum number of persons who may be appointed as judges of the Court.
S. 1(2): power exercised (19.12.1991) by S.I. 1991/2884
S. 1(1) modified (9.11.1998) by 1998 c. 42, ss. 18(4)(b), 22(2) (with ss. 7(8), 22(5))
(3) No recommendation shall be made to Her Majesty in Council to make an Order under this section unless a draft of the Order has been laid before and approved by resolution of the Scottish Parliament.
Words in s. 1(3) substituted (1.6.2009) by Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008 (asp. 6), ss. 44(3), 76; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 2, Sch.
(3A) The Lord President must be consulted before any draft of an Order under this section is laid before the Parliament.
S. 1(3A) inserted (1.6.2009) by Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008 (asp. 6), ss. 44(4), 76; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 2, Sch.
(4) No vacancy arising among the judges of the Court shall be filled unless the Secretary of State . . .is satisfied that the state of business in the Court requires that the vacancy should be filled.
Words in s. 1(4) omitted (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1820, arts. 1(2), 4, Sch. 2 Pt. 1 para. 89, Pt. IV
(5) There shall be paid out of the Consolidated Fund any increase attributable to the provisions of this section in the sums which, under any other enactment, are payable out of that Fund.

2 Composition of Court.
The Court shall be composed of an Inner House and an Outer House constituted in accordance with the following provisions of this section.
(2) Subject to subsection (3) below, the Inner House shall be composed of two Divisions, namely, the First Division comprising the Lord President and five senior judges of the Court, and the Second Division comprising the Lord Justice Clerk and five other senior judges of the Court.
Word in s. 2(2) substituted (16.12.2010) by The Number of Inner House Judges (Variation) Order 2010 (S.S.I. 2010/449), arts. 1, 2
Word in s. 2(2) substituted (22.3.2007) by The Number of Inner House Judges (Variation) Order 2007 (S.S.I. 2007/258), arts. 1, 2
(2A) The Scottish Ministers may , after consulting the Lord President, from time to time by order amend subsection (2) above so as to alter or further alter the number of senior judges in the two Divisions.
S. 2(2A)-(2D) inserted (9.8.2000) by 2000 asp 9, s. 5(a)
Words in s. 2(2A) inserted (1.6.2009) by Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008 (asp. 6), ss. 45, 76; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 2, Sch.
(2B) The power conferred by subsection (2A) above may be exercised—
(a) in relation only to one; or
(b) differently in relation to each,
of the two Divisions.
(2C) An order under this section shall be made by statutory instrument.
(2D) No order shall be made under this section unless a draft of the instrument containing it has been laid before and approved by resolution of the Scottish Parliament.
(3) The Lord President may from time to time constitute, from among the judges of the Court, an extra Division of the Inner House for the purpose of hearing and disposing of causes pending before the Inner House; and any reference in this Act or in any other enactment to a Division of the Inner House shall be construed as including a reference to such an extra Division.
S. 2(3) substituted (1.6.2009) by Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008 (asp. 6), ss. 46(2)(a), 76; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 2, Sch.
(4) Subject to an act of sederunt under section 103(1) of the Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014, the quorum for a Division of the Inner House shall be three judges.
Words in s. 2(4) inserted (1.6.2009) by Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008 (asp. 6), ss. 46(2)(b), 76; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 2, Sch.
Words in s. 2(4) substituted (1.4.2015) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 30(2); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch.
(5) The Outer House shall be composed of the judges of the Court (other than the judges of the Inner House while they are sitting in the Inner House) sitting singly, and any reference in this Act or in any other enactment to a Lord Ordinary shall be construed as a reference to a judge sitting singly in the Outer House.
(6) Subject to subsections (7) and (8)below, where a vacancy arises in a Division of the Inner House the Lord President and the Lord Justice Clerk, with the consent of the Secretary of State and after such consultation with judges as appears to them to be appropriate in the particular circumstances, shall appoint a Lord Ordinary to fill that vacancy.
S. 2(6) substituted (1.4.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 36:1), s. 35(2), Sch. 4 para. 4(2)(b); S.I. 1991/822, art. 3, Schedule
Words in s. 2(6) substituted (9.8.2000) by 2000 asp 9, s. 5(b)
(7) Subsection (6) above shall not apply in the case of such a vacancy arising by reason of the death or resignation of the Lord President or the Lord Justice Clerk.
(8) The Scottish Ministers shall not give their consent under subsection (6) above to an appointment filling a vacancy in one of the two Divisions of the Inner House unless they are satisfied that the state of business in the Inner House requires that the vacancy be filled.
S. 2(8) inserted (9.2.2000) by 2000 asp 9, s. 5(c)

3 Exchequer causes.
One of the judges of the Court who usually sits as a Lord Ordinary shall be appointed by the Lord Presidentto act as Lord Ordinary in exchequer causes, and no other judge shall so act unless and until such judge is appointed in his place:
Provided that, in the event of the absence or inability of the Lord Ordinary in exchequer causes for whatever reason, any of his duties may be performed by any other Lord Ordinary acting in his place.
Words in s. 3 substituted (1.4.1991)by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 36:1), s. 35(2), Sch. 4 para. 4(1)(3), S.I. 1991/822, art. 3,Schedule

4 Power of judges to act in cases relating to rates and taxes.
(1) A judge of the Court shall not be incapable of acting as such in any proceedings by reason of being, as one of a class of ratepayers, taxpayers or persons of any other description, liable in common with others to pay, or contribute to, or benefit from, any rate or tax which may be increased, reduced or in any way affected by those proceedings.
(2) In this section “rate or tax” means any rate, tax, duty or assessment, whether public, general or local, and includes—
(a) any fund formed from the proceeds of any such rate, tax, duty or assessment; and
(b) any fund applicable for purposes the same as, or similar to, those for which the proceeds of any such rate, tax, duty or assessment are or might be applied.

Part II General Powers of the Court in Relation to Procedure

5 Power to regulate procedure etc. by act of sederunt.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S. 5 repealed (1.4.2015) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 30(3); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch. (with art. 7)
S. 5: power conferred by s. 5 exercised by S.I. 1991/272 and S.I. 1991/291.
s. 5 for other exercises of this power see Index to Government Orders.
s. 5: power exercised by S.I. 1991/846
s. 5 power exercised by S.I. 1991/1157, 1991/1158
s. 5 power exercised by S.I. 1991/1183
s. 5 power exercised by S.I. 1991/1413
s. 5 power exercised by S.I. 1991/1621
S. 5: power exercised by S.I. 1991/2213
S. 5: power exercised by S.I. 1991/2483
S. 5: power exercised by S.I. 1991/2652

5A Rules for lay representation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S. 5A repealed (1.4.2015) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 30(3); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch. (with art. 7)
S. 5A inserted (1.9.2011) by Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 16), ss. 126(b), 150(2); S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 7

6 Allocation of business etc. by act of sederunt.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S. 6 repealed (1.4.2015) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 30(3); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch. (with art. 7)

7 Fees on remit to accountants etc.
The Court shall have power to regulate from time to time the fees which shall be payable to any accountant or person of skill to whom any remit is made in the course of any judicial proceedings before the Court.

8 Rules Council.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S. 8 repealed (28.5.2013) by Scottish Civil Justice Council and Criminal Legal Assistance Act 2013 (asp 3), ss. 14(2), 25(2); S.S.I. 2013/124, art. 2 (with art. 3)

Part III Ordinary Actions

Proof

9 Allowing of proof by Lord Ordinary.
The Lord Ordinary may allow a proof—
(a) in any action, other than an action enumerated in section 11 of this Act, without the consent of both parties and without reporting to and obtaining the leave of the Inner House;
(b) in any action enumerated as aforesaid, if the parties to the action consent thereto or if special cause is shown.

10 Evidence on commission in Outer House.
The Lord Ordinary may grant commission in any action—
(a) to any person competent to take and report in writing the depositions of havers;
(b) to take and report in writing the evidence of any witness who is resident beyond the jurisdiction of the Court, or who, by reason of age, infirmity or sickness, is unable to attend the diet of proof or trial:
Provided that nothing in this section shall affect the existing practice in regard to granting commission for the examination of aged and infirm witnesses to take their evidence to lie inretentis before a proof or, as the case may be, trial has been allowed.

11 Jury actions.
Subject to section 9(b) of this Act, the following actions if remitted to probation shall be tried by jury—
(a) an action of damages for personal injuries;
(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S. 11(b) repealed (8.8.2022) by Defamation and Malicious Publication (Scotland) Act 2021 (asp 10), ss. 20(1), 39(2) (with s. 20(2)); S.S.I. 2022/154, reg. 2
(c) an action founded on delinquency or quasi delinquency, where the conclusion is for damages only and expenses; and
(d) an action of reduction on the ground of incapacity, essential error, or force and fear;
and such an action which has been ordered by the Lord Ordinary to be tried by jury is hereafter in this Act referred to as a jury action.
S. 11 excluded (31.7.2020) by Civil Litigation (Expenses and Group Proceedings) (Scotland) Act 2018 (asp 10), ss. 20(10), 27(3); S.S.I. 2020/167, reg. 2

Trial by jury

12 Summoning of jury.
The jurors for the trial of issues in a jury action shall be summoned by virtue of an authority or precept signed by a Lord Ordinary or by any clerk of court officiating either in the Outer House or Inner House, and issued to the sheriff principal.

13 Selection of jury.
(1) The jurors for the trial of any jury action shall be 12 persons selected in open court by ballot in accordance with the following provisions of this section from the list of persons summoned to attend the Court for that purpose.
(2) The clerk of court shall cause the name of each person so summoned to be written on a separate piece of paper, all the pieces being of the same size, and shall cause the pieces to be rolled up as nearly as may be in the same shape, and to be put into a box or glass and mixed; and the clerk shall draw out the said pieces one by one from the box or glass.
(3) Each party to the action may challenge the selection of any juror whose name has been drawn in the ballot, and may, without assigning any reason, challenge the selection of not more than 4 jurors; and any challenges for an assigned reason may be made at any time during the selection of the jury.

14 Application for view by jury.
Any party to a jury action may apply to a Lord Ordinary to allow the jury to view any property heritable or moveable relevant to the action; and, where the Lord Ordinary considers that it is proper and necessary for the jury to view that property, he may grant the application.

15 Illness or death of juror during trial.
Where in the course of the trial of any jury action in the Court the presiding judge is satisfied that any member of the jury is, by reason of illness, unable to continue to serve on the jury or ought, for any other reason, to be discharged from further service on the jury, it shall be lawful for the judge to discharge such member, and in any such case or in any case where in the course of such a jury trial, a member of the jury dies, the remaining members of the jury (if they are not less than 10 in number) shall in all respects be deemed to constitute the jury for the purpose of the trial and any verdict returned by them whether unanimous or by majority shall be of the like force and effect as a unanimous verdict or a verdict by majority of the whole number of the jury.

16 Trial to proceed despite objection to opinion and direction of judge.
Notwithstanding any objection being taken in the course of the trial in any jury action to the opinion and direction of the presiding judge, the trial shall proceed and the jury shall return their verdict and assess damages where necessary.

17 Return of verdict.
(1) At the end of his charge to the jury the presiding judge shall direct the jury to select someone to speak for them when returning their verdict.
(2) The jury impanelled to try any jury action may at any time return a verdict by a majority of their members, and if the jury, after they have been enclosed for 3 hours, are unable to agree upon a verdict or to return a verdict by a majority, the presiding judge may discharge the jury without their having given a verdict and, on the jury being discharged, shall order the action to be tried by another jury.
(3) The verdict when returned shall be declared orally by the juror selected as aforesaid in open court and taken down in writing by the clerk of court before the jury is discharged.
(4) Where the jury in an action which concludes for damages finds a verdict for the pursuer they shall also assess the amount of the damages.
(5) Subject to Part V of this Act, the verdict of the jury shall be final so far as relating to the facts found by them.

Judgment

18 Lord Ordinary’s judgment final in Outer House.
Every interlocutor of the Lord Ordinary shall be final in the Outer House, subject however to the review of the Inner House in accordance with this Act.

Part IV Other Causes

Consistorial causes

19 Lord Advocate as party to action for nullity of marriage or divorce.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S. 19 repealed (4.5.2006) by Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp. 2), ss. 45(2), 46(2), Sch. 3; S.S.I. 2006/212, art. 2

20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S. 20 repealed (1.11.1996) by 1995 c. 36, s. 105(5), Sch. 5 (with s. 103(1)); S.I. 1996/2203, art. 3(3), Sch. Table

Exchequer causes

21 Exchequer causes to have precedence.
Exchequer causes shall at all times take precedence of and have preference over all other causes in the Court.

22 Lord Advocate to sue and be sued on behalf of the Crown.
Except where any enactment otherwise provides, all exchequer causes brought—
(a) on behalf of the Crown, shall be at the instance of the appropriate Law Officer within the meaning of section 4A of the Crown Suits (Scotland) Act 1857;
Words in s. 22(a)(b) substituted (20.5.1999) by 1999/1042, arts. 1(2)(b), 4, Sch. 2 Pt. 1 para. 8
(b) by any person alleging any ground of action against the Crown, shall be directed against the appropriate Law Officer within the meaning of section 4A of the Crown Suits (Scotland) Act 1857.

23 Lord Advocate may be heard last.
In all exchequer causes, the appropriate Law Officer within the meaning of section 4A of the Crown Suits (Scotland) Act 1857 shall, in pleading on behalf of the Crown, have the privilege of being heard last.
Words in s. 23 substituted (20.5.1999) by S.I. 1999/1042, arts. 1(2)(b), 4, Sch. 2 Pt. 1 para. 8

24 Appeal to Supreme Court.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S. 24 repealed (22.9.2015) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), Sch. 5 para. 32(2); S.S.I. 2015/247, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 5(1))
Words in s. 24 sidenote substituted (1.10.2009) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), ss. 40, 148, Sch. 9 para. 49(2); S.I. 2009/1604, art. 2(d)

Petitions

25 Disposal of petitions initiated in Outer House.
(1) The Lord Ordinary before whom any cause initiated by a petition comes shall have power to dispose of the petition himself.
(2) For the purpose of disposing of such a cause, the Lord Ordinary may make such investigation and require such assistance from professional persons or persons of science or of skill as he thinks fit.
(3) On any such cause coming before him, the Lord Ordinary may grant commission to take the depositions of havers and the evidence of witnesses as provided in section 10 of this Act with respect to an action.

Summary trials

26 Summary trials.
(1) The parties to any dispute or question to which this section applies may present a petition in the Outer House setting out the dispute or question and craving that it may be decided by a particular Lord Ordinary, and any such petition shall stand referred to such Lord Ordinary for his determination of the dispute or question.
(2) The parties to any action in dependence in the Outer House not affecting the status of any person may agree by joint minute, or in such other manner as may be prescribed, that the provisions of this section shall apply to the action, and thereafter those provisions shall apply accordingly.
(3) Provision shall be made by act of sederunt under section 103(1) of the Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 for securing that causes under this section shall be disposed of with as little delay as possible.
Words in s. 26(3) substituted (1.4.2015) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), Sch. 5 para. 30(4); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), Sch.
(4) This section shall apply to any dispute or question not affecting the status of any person which might competently be the subject of any cause in the Outer House, or which might competently have been the subject of any such cause but for section 39 of the Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014.
Words in s. 26(4) substituted (22.9.2015) by The Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (Consequential Provisions No. 2) Order 2015 (S.S.I. 2015/338), art. 1, Sch. 1 para. 1

Special cases

27 Special cases.
(1) Where any parties interested, whether personally or in some fiduciary or official capacity, in the decision of a question of law are agreed upon the facts, and are in dispute only on the law applicable to those facts, it shall be competent for them without raising any proceeding, or at any stage of any proceeding, to present to the Inner House a case (in this section referred to as a special case) signed by their counsel setting out the facts upon which they are so agreed and the question of law arising from those facts; and the parties may ask the Court either for its opinion or for its judgment on that question of law.
(2) The Court may, if it thinks fit, in case of difficulty or importance or of equal division, appoint a special case to be reheard by a larger court under section 36 of this Act.
(3) The Court shall dispose of all questions of expenses arising in a special case.
(4) Any judgment pronounced by the Court by virtue of this section shall be extractible in common form.
(5) Any judgment pronounced by the Court by virtue of this section shall be liable to review by the Supreme Court unless such review is excluded by consent of all the parties to the special case.
Words in s. 27(5) substituted (1.10.2009) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), ss. 40, 148, Sch. 9 para. 49(3); S.I. 2009/1604, art. 2(d)

Applications to the supervisory jurisdiction of the Court

27A Time limits
(1) An application to the supervisory jurisdiction of the Court must be made before the end of—
(a) the period of 3 months beginning with the date on which the grounds giving rise to the application first arise, or
(b) such longer period as the Court considers equitable having regard to all the circumstances.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to an application to the supervisory jurisdiction of the Court which, by virtue of any enactment, is to be made before the end of a period ending before the period of 3 months mentioned in that subsection (however that first-ending period may be expressed).

27B Requirement for permission
(1) No proceedings may be taken in respect of an application to the supervisory jurisdiction of the Court unless the Court has granted permission for the application to proceed.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), the Court may grant permission under subsection (1) for an application to proceed only if it is satisfied that—
(a) the applicant can demonstrate a sufficient interest in the subject matter of the application, and
(b) the application has a real prospect of success.
(3) Where the application relates to a relevant Upper Tribunal decision, the Court may grant permission under subsection (1) for the application to proceed only if it is satisfied that—
(a) the applicant can demonstrate a sufficient interest in the subject matter of the application,
(b) the application has a real prospect of success, and
(c) either—
(i) the application would raise an important point of principle or practice, or
(ii) there is some other compelling reason for allowing the application to proceed.
Words in s. 27B(3) substituted (22.9.2015) by The Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/700), arts. 1(8), 6(2)
(4) The Court may grant permission under subsection (1) for an application to proceed—
(a) subject to such conditions as the Court thinks fit,
(b) only on such of the grounds specified in the application as the Court thinks fit.
(5) The Court may decide whether or not to grant permission without an oral hearing having been held.
(6) In this section, “a relevant Upper Tribunal decision” means—
(a) a decision of the Upper Tribunal for Scotland in an appeal from the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland under section 46 of the Tribunals (Scotland) Act 2014,
(b) a decision of the Upper Tribunal in an appeal from the First-tier Tribunal under section 11 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007.
S. 27B(6) inserted (22.9.2015) by The Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/700), arts. 1(8), 6(3)
S. 27B applied (with modifications) (25.12.2023) by The Public Service Obligations in Transport Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1369), regs. 1(1), 24(5)

27C Oral hearings where permission refused, etc.
(1) Subsection (2) applies where, in relation to an application to the supervisory jurisdiction of the Court—
(a) the Court—
(i) refuses permission under subsection 27B(1) for the application to proceed, or
(ii) grants permission for the application to proceed subject to conditions or only on particular grounds, and
(b) the Court decides to refuse permission, or grant permission as mentioned in paragraph (a)(ii), without an oral hearing having been held.
(2) The person making the application may, within the period of 7 days beginning with the day on which that decision is made, request a review of the decision at an oral hearing.
(3) A request under subsection (2) must be considered by a different Lord Ordinary from the one who refused permission or granted permission as mentioned in subsection (1)(a)(ii).
S. 27C(3)(4) modified by 2014 asp 10, s. 57A(4) (as inserted (22.9.2015) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), Sch. 5 para. 24; S.S.I. 2015/247, art. 2, Sch.)
(4) Where a request under subsection (2) is granted, the oral hearing must be conducted before a different Lord Ordinary from the one who refused or so granted permission.
(5) At a review following a request under subsection (2), the Court must consider whether to grant permission for the application to proceed; and subsections (2), (3) and (4) of section 27B apply for that purpose.
(6) Section 28 does not apply—
(a) where subsection (2) applies, or
(b) in relation to the refusal of a request made under subsection (2).
S. 27C applied (with modifications) (22.9.2015) by Revenue Scotland and Tax Powers Act 2014 (asp 16), ss. 41(3)(b)(4), 260(2) (with ss. 257-259); S.S.I. 2015/247, art. 2, Sch.; S.S.I. 2015/110, art. 2(2)
Ss. 27C, 27D applied by 2014 asp 10, s. 57A(3)(b) (as inserted (22.9.2015) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), Sch. 5 para. 24; S.S.I. 2015/247, art. 2, Sch.)

27D Appeals following oral hearings
(1) Subsection (2) applies where, after an oral hearing to determine whether or not to grant permission for an application to the supervisory jurisdiction of the Court to proceed, the Court—
(a) refuses permission for the application to proceed, or
(b) grants permission for the application to proceed subject to conditions or only on particular grounds.
(2) The person making the application may, within the period of 7 days beginning with the day on which the Court makes its decision, appeal under this section to the Inner House (but may not appeal under any other provision of this Act).
(3) In an appeal under subsection (2), the Inner House must consider whether to grant permission for the application to proceed; and subsections (2), (3) and (4) of section 27B apply for that purpose.
(4) In subsection (1), the reference to an oral hearing is to an oral hearing whether following a request under section 27C(2) or otherwise.
S. 27D applied (with modifications) (22.9.2015) by Revenue Scotland and Tax Powers Act 2014 (asp 16), ss. 41(3)(b)(4), 260(2) (with ss. 257-259); S.S.I. 2015/247, art. 2, Sch.; S.S.I. 2015/110, art. 2(2)
Ss. 27A-27D and cross-heading inserted (22.9.2015) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), ss. 89, 138(2); S.S.I. 2015/247, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 4)

Part V Appeal and Review

Reclaiming

28 Reclaiming.
Any party to a cause initiated in the Outer House either by a summons or a petition who is dissatisfied with an interlocutor pronounced by the Lord Ordinary may, except as otherwise prescribed, reclaim against that interlocutor within such period after the interlocutor is pronounced, and in such manner, as may be prescribed.

Review in jury actions

29 Application for new trial.
(1) Any party who is dissatisfied with the verdict of the jury in any jury action may, subject to such conditions and in such manner as may be prescribed, apply to the Inner House for a new trial on the ground—
(a) of misdirection by the judge;
(b) of the undue admission or rejection of evidence;
(c) that the verdict is contrary to the evidence;
(d) of excess or inadequacy of damages; or
(e) of resnoviterveniensadnotitiam;
or on such other ground as is essential to the justice of the cause.
(2) The Inner House on hearing an application under this section may, subject to section 30 of this Act and any act of sederunt, grant or refuse a new trial.
(3) If the Court, on an application for a new trial on the ground that the verdict is contrary to the evidence, after hearing parties is unanimously of the opinion that the verdict under review is contrary to the evidence, and that it has before it all the evidence that could be reasonably expected to be obtained relevant to the cause, it may set aside the verdict and, in place of granting a new trial, may enter judgment for the party unsuccessful at the trial.

30 Restrictions on granting of application for new trial.
(1) Where an application for a new trial is made on the ground of the undue admission of evidence, and the Court is of the opinion that the exclusion of that evidence could not have led to a different verdict than that actually returned, it shall refuse to grant a new trial.
(2) Where an application for a new trial is made on the ground of the undue rejection of documentary evidence, and it appears to the Court from the documents themselves that they ought not to have affected the result at which the jury by their verdict have arrived, it may refuse to grant a new trial.
(3) Where the Court, on an application for a new trial made to it, is of opinion that the only ground for granting a new trial is either excess of damages or such inadequacy of damages as to show that a new trial is essential to the justice of the cause, it may grant a new trial restricted to the question of the amount of damages only.
(4) No verdict of a jury shall be discharged or set aside upon an application for a new trial, unless in conformity with the opinion of a majority of the judges hearing the application, and in case of equal division judgment shall be given in conformity with the verdict.

31 Verdict may be returned subject to opinion of Inner House on point reserved.
(1) Where in a jury action the presiding judge has directed the jury upon any matter of law, any party against whom the verdict is returned may apply to the Inner House to enter the verdict for him.
(2) The Inner House may, on an application made to it by a party under subsection (1) above—
(a) where it is of opinion that the direction of the presiding judge was erroneous and that the party making the application was truly entitled to the verdict in whole or in part, direct the verdict to be entered for that party in whole or in part, either absolutely or on such terms as it may think fit; or
(b) where it is of opinion that it is necessary, set aside the verdict and order a new trial; or
(c) refuse the application.

31A Power to provide for single judge of Inner House to determine leave or permission and assess grounds of appeal
(1) The Court may by act of sederunt provide for any applications to the Court for leave or permission to appeal to the Inner House to be determined by a single judge of the Inner House.
(2) The Court may by act of sederunt provide for—
(a) any appeal proceedings to be considered initially (and, where required, after leave or permission to appeal has been granted) by a single judge of the Inner House, and
(b) for the single judge to decide, by reference to whether the grounds of appeal or any of them are arguable—
(i) whether the appeal proceedings should be allowed to proceed in the Inner House, and
(ii) if so, on which grounds.
(3) An act of sederunt under subsection (1) or (2)—
(a) must include provision—
(i) about the procedure to be followed in the proceedings before the single judge, including provision for the parties to be heard before the judge makes a decision,
(ii) for review, on the application of any party to the proceedings, of the decision of the single judge by a Division of the Inner House,
(iii) about the grounds on which the decision may be so reviewed,
(iv) about the procedure to be followed in such a review,
(v) about the matters that may be considered in such a review and the powers available to the Division on disposing of the review, and
(b) may make different provision in relation to different types of—
(i) applications for leave or permission,
(ii) appeal proceedings.
(4) Subject to any provision made in an act of sederunt by virtue of subsection (3)(a)(ii) to (v), the decision of any single judge under an act of sederunt under subsection (1) or (2) is final.
(5) Subsection (6) applies in appeal proceedings in which—
(a) a single judge has granted leave or permission for the appeal by virtue of subsection (1), and
(b) the judge's decision is subject to review by a Division of the Inner House by virtue of subsection (3)(a)(ii).
(6) Where this subsection applies, the reference in subsection (2)(a) to leave or permission to appeal having been granted is a reference to its having been confirmed following review by the Division of the Inner House.
(7) In subsection (2)(a), “appeal proceedings” means proceedings on—
(a) a reclaiming application under section 28 (reclaiming against decisions of a Lord Ordinary),
(b) an application under section 29 (application for a new trial),
(c) an application under section 31 (application to overturn jury verdict),
(d) an appeal from the Sheriff Appeal Court under section 113 of the Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014,
(e) an appeal from a sheriff principal under section 114 of that Act,
(f) any other appeal taken to the Court (whether under an enactment or otherwise).
S. 31A inserted (1.4.2015) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), ss. 115, 138(2); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch.

Appeals and transmissions from sheriff

32 Appeals.
(1) Where an appeal is taken to the Court from the judgment of the Sheriff Appeal Court under section 113 of the Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 or the judgment of a sheriff principal under section 114 of that Act, the record may, with the leave of the Court, be amended at any time on such conditions as to the Court seem proper.
Words in s. 32(1) substituted (1.1.2016) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 32(3)(a); S.S.I. 2015/378, art. 2, sch.
(2) On any such appeal the Court may, if it thinks fit, remit the cause to the Sheriff Appeal Court or, as the case may be, the sheriff principal with instructions.
Words in s. 32(2) substituted (1.1.2016) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 32(3)(b); S.S.I. 2015/378, art. 2, sch.
(3) On any such appeal the Court may, if necessary, order proof or additional proof to be taken in accordance with section 37 of this Act and shall thereafter, or without any such order if no such proof or additional proof is necessary, give judgment on the merits of the cause.
(4) Where such an appeal is taken to the Court from the judgment of the Sheriff Appeal Court or, as the case may be, the sheriff principal proceeding on a proof, the Court shall in giving judgment distinctly specify in its interlocutor the several facts material to the cause which it finds to be established by the proof, and express how far its judgment proceeds on the matter of facts so found, or on matter of law, and the several points of law which it means to decide.
Words in s. 32(4) substituted (1.1.2016) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 32(3)(b); S.S.I. 2015/378, art. 2, sch.
(5) The judgment of the Court on any such appeal shall be appealable to the Supreme Court only on matters of law.
Words in s. 32(5) substituted (1.10.2009) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), ss. 40, 148, Sch. 9 para. 49(4); S.I. 2009/1604, art. 2(d)

33 Transmissions from sheriff to Court on ground of contingency.
(1) The Court shall, on an application made to it, if it is of the opinion that there is contingency between a sheriff court cause and a cause depending before it, grant warrant to the clerk of the sheriff court cause for transmission of that cause to the Court.
(2) In subsection (1) above “sheriff court cause” means a cause depending before the sheriff principal or the sheriff.
(3) The Court may, on an application by any of the parties, if it is of the opinion that there is contingency between a matter before the Land Court for determination by virtue of the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act 1991 (c. 55) or the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 11) and a cause depending before the Court, grant warrant to the clerk of the Land Court for transmission of the case to the Court from the Land Court.
S. 33(3) inserted (27.11.2003) by Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp. 11), ss. 87(2), 95(3) (with s. 95(2)); S.S.I 2003/548, {art. 2(g)} (with art. 3, Sch.)

Review by suspension

34 Suspension of decrees of Court granted in absence.
It shall be competent for any party to bring proceedings in manner prescribed for the suspension of any decree in absence granted in the Court.

35 Suspension of sheriff court decree.
(1) It shall be competent in any proceedings for the suspension of a decree of a sheriff for that sheriff or the Court to regulate all matters relating to interim possession.
(2) The Court may in any such proceedings remit the cause to the sheriff with instructions; but no such remit shall be made, except in the case of the suspension of a decree in absence, without hearing counsel or receiving a written answer on the part of the respondent.
(3) The Court may in granting suspension find the petitioner entitled to his expenses both in the sheriff court and in the Court.
(4) In this section “sheriff” includes sheriff principal.

Rehearing and additional proof in Inner House

36 Rehearing by larger court of causes pending in Inner House.
Where a division of the Inner House before whom a cause is pending—
(a) considers the cause to be one of difficulty or importance; or
(b) is equally divided in opinion on the cause (whether on a question of law or fact),
it may appoint the cause to be reheard by such larger court as is necessary for the proper disposal of the cause.

37 Additional proof ordered by Inner House.
Where proof has been ordered by the Inner House, the proof shall be taken before any one of the judges of the Inner House to whom the Inner House may think fit to remit the case, and the ruling of that judge upon the admissibility of evidence in the course of taking the proof shall be subject to review by the Inner House in the discussion of the report of the proof; and where the Inner House alters any finding of that judge rejecting evidence, it may, if it thinks fit, remit the case to have that evidence taken.

38 Evidence on commission in Inner House.
In any cause coming before it, the Inner House may grant commission to take the depositions of havers and the evidence of witnesses as provided in section 10 of this Act with respect to an action.

Judgment in Inner House

39 Inner House judgment final in Court of Session.
The judgment pronounced by the Inner House shall in all causes be final in the Court.

Appeals to Supreme Court

40 Appeals to the Supreme Court
(1) An appeal may be taken to the Supreme Court against a decision of the Inner House mentioned in subsection (2), but only—
(a) with the permission of the Inner House, or
(b) if the Inner House has refused permission, with the permission of the Supreme Court.
(2) The decisions are—
(a) a decision constituting final judgment in any proceedings,
(b) a decision in an exchequer cause,
(c) a decision, on an application under section 29, to grant or refuse a new trial in any proceedings,
(d) any other decision in any proceedings if—
(i) there is a difference of opinion among the judges making the decision, or
(ii) the decision is one sustaining a preliminary defence and dismissing the proceedings.
(3) An appeal may be taken to the Supreme Court against any other decision of the Inner House in any proceedings, but only with the permission of the Inner House.
(4) In an appeal against a decision mentioned in subsection (2)(c), the Supreme Court has the same powers as the Inner House had in relation to the application under section 29, including, in particular, the powers under sections 29(3) and 30(3).
(5) No appeal may be taken to the Supreme Court against any decision of a Lord Ordinary.
(6) But subsection (5) does not affect the operation of subsections (1) and (3) in relation to a decision of the Inner House in a review of a decision of a Lord Ordinary.
(7) In an appeal to the Supreme Court under this section against a decision of the Inner House in any proceedings, all prior decisions in the proceedings (whether made at first instance or at any stage of appeal) are open to review by the Supreme Court.
(8) This section is subject to—
(a) sections 27(5) and 32(5),
(b) any provision of any other enactment that restricts or excludes an appeal from the Court of Session to the Supreme Court.
(9) This section does not affect any right of appeal from the Court of Session to the Supreme Court that arises apart from this section.
(10) In this section—
“final judgment”, in relation to any proceedings, means a decision which, by itself or taken along with prior decisions in the proceedings, disposes of the subject matter of the proceedings on its merits, even though judgment may not have been pronounced on every question raised or expenses found due may not have been modified, taxed or decerned for,
“preliminary defence”, in relation to any proceedings, means a defence that does not relate to the merits of the proceedings.
Ss. 40, 40A substituted (22.9.2015) for s. 40 by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), ss. 117, 138(2); S.S.I. 2015/247, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 5(2)(3))

40A Permission for appeal under section 40
(1) An application to the Inner House for permission to take an appeal under section 40(1) or (3) must be made—
(a) within the period of 28 days beginning with the date of the decision against which the appeal is to be taken, or
(b) within such longer period as the Inner House considers equitable having regard to all the circumstances.
(2) An application to the Supreme Court for permission to take an appeal under section 40(1) must be made—
(a) within the period of 28 days beginning with the date on which the Inner House refuses permission for the appeal, or
(b) within such longer period as the Supreme Court considers equitable having regard to all the circumstances.
(3) The Inner House or the Supreme Court may grant permission for an appeal under section 40(1) or (3) only if the Inner House or, as the case may be, the Supreme Court considers that the appeal raises an arguable point of law of general public importance which ought to be considered by the Supreme Court at that time.

41 Interim possession, execution and expenses.
(1) On an appeal to the Supreme Court under section 40 of this Act, a copy of the petition of appeal shall be laid by the respondent before the Inner House which may regulate all matters relating to interim possession, execution and expenses already incurred as it thinks fit, having regard to the interests of the parties to the cause as they may be affected by the upholding or reversal of the judgment against which the appeal has been taken.
Words in s. 41(1)(2) substituted (1.10.2009) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), ss. 40, 148, Sch. 9 para. 49(7); S.I. 2009/1604, art. 2(d)
(2) It shall not be competent by appeal to the Supreme Court in respect of regulations made under subsection (1) above to stop the execution of those regulations; but when the Supreme Court hears the appeal under section 40 of this Act, it may make such order or give such judgment respecting any matter which has been done or taken place in pursuance or in consequence of the regulations as it thinks fit.

42 Supreme Court may make order on payment of interest.
The Supreme Court in hearing an appeal under section 40 of this Act may make such order with regard to payment of interest, simple or compound, by any of the parties, as it thinks fit.
Words in s. 42 and in its side-note substituted (1.10.2009) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), ss. 40, 148, Sch. 9 para. 49(8); S.I. 2009/1604, art. 2(d)

43 Interest and expenses where appeal dismissed for want of prosecution.
Where an appeal to the Supreme Court under section 40 of this Act is dismissed for want of prosecution, the Inner House may, on an application made to it by any respondent in the appeal, order the appellant to pay to that respondent such interest, simple or compound, as it thinks fit, together with the expenses which have been incurred in consequence of the appeal.
Words in s. 40(2) substituted (1.10.2009) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), ss. 40, 148, Sch. 9 para. 49(9); S.I. 2009/1604, art. 2(d)
Words in cross-heading preceding s. 40 substituted (1.10.2009) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), ss. 40, 148, Sch. 9 para. 49(5); S.I. 2009/1604, art. 2(d)

Part VI Miscellaneous Provisions

44 Selection of judges for trial of election petitions.
(1) The judges to be placed on the rota for the trial of parliamentary election petitions in Scotland under Part III of the Representation of the People Act 1983 in each year shall be selected, in such manner as the Lord President may direct, from the judges of the Court exclusive of any who are members of the House of Lords.
1983 c. 2.
(2) Notwithstanding the expiry of the year for which a judge has been placed on the rota, he may act as if that year had not expired for the purpose of continuing to deal with, giving judgment in, or dealing with any ancillary matter relating to, any case with which he may have been concerned during that year.
(3) Any judge placed on the rota shall be eligible to be placed on the rota again in the succeeding or any subsequent year.

45 Restoration of possession and specific performance.
The Court may, on application by summary petition—
(a) order the restoration of possession of any real or personal property of the possession of which the petitioner may have been violently or fraudulently deprived; and
(b) order the specific performance of any statutory duty, under such conditions and penalties (including fine and imprisonment, where consistent with the enactment concerned) in the event of the order not being implemented, as to the Court seem proper.
S. 45(b) applied (3.4.2000) by 1999 c. 33, s. 101(5); S.I. 2000/464, art. 2, Sch. 2
S. 45 applied by Food Safety Act 1990 (c. 16, SIF 53:1, 2), s. 40(3)
S. 45 applied (2.10.2000) by 2000 c. 23, ss. 11(8), 12(7) (with s. 82(3)); S.I. 2000/2543, art. 3
S. 45 applied (26.11.2001) by S.I. 2001/3755, reg. 13, Sch. 2 para. 7(1) (with regs. 39, 45)
S. 45 applied (14.12.2001) by 2001 c. 24, s. 104(7), 127(2)(g)
S. 45 applied (5.1.2004) by 2000 c. 23, ss. 22(8), 83(2) (with s. 82(3)); S.I. 2003/3140, art. 2(a)
S. 45 applied (17.2.2003 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.4.2003) by 1999 c. 33, ss. 25(5)(b), 170(4); S.I. 2003/2, art. 2, Sch.
S. 45 applied (6.4.2005) by Pensions Act 2004 (c. 35), ss. 71(10), 322(1) (with s. 313); S.I. 2005/275, art. 2(7), Sch. Pt. 7
S. 45 applied (11.1.2006) by The Food Hygiene (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/3), reg. 24(4)
S. 45 applied ( 6.4.2008) by Companies Act 2006 (c. 46), ss. 1249(3), 1300; S.I. 2007/3495, art. 3(1)(u) (with Sch. 4 paras. 37-42)
S. 45 applied (6.4.2009) by The Data Retention (EC Directive) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/859), reg. 10(6)
S. 45 applied (30.11.2021) by The Green Gas Support Scheme Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/1335), regs. 1(1), 53(8)(b)
S. 45 applied (31.12.2023) by Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 (c. 29), s. 86(3), Sch. 11 para. 120(8); S.I. 2023/1382, reg. 8(b)

46 Specific relief may be granted in interdict proceedings.
Where a respondent in any application or proceedings in the Court, whether before or after the institution of such proceedings or application, has done any act which the Court might have prohibited by interdict, the Court may ordain the respondent to perform any act which may be necessary for reinstating the petitioner in his possessory right, or for granting specific relief against the illegal act complained of.

47 Interim interdict and other interim orders.
(1) In any cause containing a conclusion or a crave for interdict or liberation, the Division of the Inner House or the Lord Ordinary (as the case may be) may, on the motion of any party to the cause, grant interim interdict or liberation; and it shall be competent for the Division of the Inner House or the Lord Ordinary before whom any cause in which interim interdict has been granted is pending to deal with any breach of the interim interdict without the presentation of a petition and complaint.
(2) In any cause in dependence before the Court, the Court may, on the motion of any party to the cause, make such order regarding the interim possession of any property to which the cause relates, or regarding the subject matter of the cause, as the Court may think fit.
(2A) The power under subsection (2) to make an order includes, in particular, power to make an order ad factum praestandum (including an interim order).
S. 47(2A) inserted (1.4.2015) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), ss. 90, 138(2); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch.
(3) Every interim act, warrant and decree granted during the dependence of a cause in the Court shall, unless the Court otherwise directs, be extractibleadinterim.

47A Power to grant warrant for ejection
In any proceedings where the Court has competence to grant a decree of removing, it also has competence to grant a warrant for ejection.
S. 47A inserted (1.4.2015) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), ss. 91, 138(2); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch.

48 Right of audience of solicitor before the court.
(1) Any solicitor who has, by virtue of section 25A (rights of audience) of the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 a right of audience in relation to the Court of Session shall have the same right of audience in that court as is enjoyed by an advocate.
(2) Any solicitor shall have a right of audience–
(a) before the vacation judge; and
(b) in such other circumstances as may be prescribed.
Ss. 48 and 48A substituted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 36:1), s. 74(1), Sch. 8 para. 38 and S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3,Schedule 1

48A Further provision as to rights of audience.
Any person who has complied with the terms of a scheme approved under section 26 of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (consideration of applications made under section 25) shall have such rights of audience before the court as may be specified in an act of sederunt made under subsection (7)(a) of that section.
Ss. 48 and 48A substituted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 36:1), s. 74(1), Sch. 8 para. 38 and S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3,Schedule 1

49 Subscription of bill for letters of inhibition.
(1) Subject to subsection (2) below, the subscription by such of the clerks of session as may be prescribed of a bill craving warrant for the signeting of letters of inhibition shall be sufficient warrant for that purpose without the subscription of the bill by a Lord Ordinary.
(2) Where in the case of any such bill a doubt or difficulty occurs to the clerk of session, he shall report the matter to a Lord Ordinary, and where a matter is so reported the subscription of the bill by the Lord Ordinary shall be necessary.

50 Copy of interlocutor granting commission and diligence to be equivalent to formal extract.
A copy of an interlocutor, pronounced by a Lord Ordinary or the Inner House granting commission and diligence, which is certified by a clerk of court shall have the same force and effect as a formal extract of the interlocutor.

Part VII Supplementary

51 Interpretation
In this Act unless the context otherwise requires—
“action” means a cause initiated by a summons;
“the Court” means the Court of Session and, in any provision conferring a power on the Court with regard to a cause before it, means, as the case may be, a Division of the Inner House, a Division sitting with an additional judge or judges or a Lord Ordinary;
“enactment” includes an act of sederuntand an enactment comprised in, or in an instrument made under, an Act of the Scottish Parliament;
“the Inner House” means, in any provision conferring power on it, a Division thereof;
“the Lord President” means the Lord President of the Court of Session;
“prescribed” means prescribed by act of sederunt;
“solicitor” has the same meaning as in section 65(1) of the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980.
Words in s. 51 inserted (1.4.2015) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 43; S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch.
1980 c. 46.

52 Consequential amendments, repeals and savings.
(1) The enactments specified in Schedule 1 to this Act shall have effect subject to the amendments specified in that Schedule, being amendments consequential upon the provisions of this Act.
(2) The enactments mentioned in Part I of Schedule 2 to this Act are hereby repealed to the extent specified in the third column of that Schedule; and Parts II and III of that Schedule respectively show the extent to which the aforesaid enactments are re-enacted (with or without amendment) in this Act or are repealed without re-enactment as being no longer of practical utility or being spent or unnecessary.
(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S. 52(3) repealed (22.9.2015) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), Sch. 5 para. 32(4); S.S.I. 2015/247, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 5(1))
(4) In so far as any appointment, act of sederunt or regulations made under any enactment repealed and re-enacted by this Act, or any other thing done under any such enactment, could have been made or done under a corresponding provision of this Act, it shall not be invalidated by the repeals effected by this section but shall have effect as if made or done under that corresponding provision.
(5) Where any Act or any document refers, either expressly or by implication, to an enactment repealed and re-enacted by this Act, the reference shall, except where the context otherwise requires, be construed as a reference to the corresponding provision of this Act.
(6) Nothing in this section shall be taken as prejudicing the operation of sections 16 and 17 of the Interpretation Act 1978 (general savings and repeal and re-enactment).
1978 c. 30.

53 Short title, commencement and extent.
(1) This Act may be cited as the Court of Session Act 1988.
(2) This Act shall come into force on the expiry of the period of 2 months beginning with the date on which it is passed.
(3) This Act extends to Scotland only.

SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE 1 Minor Amendments
Section 52(1).

The Jury Trials (Scotland) Act 1815 (c.42)
1 In section 20 (common jury summons)—
(a) for the words from the beginning to “sheriff principal” there shall be substituted the words “ immediately upon receipt of the authority or precept issued under section 12 of the Court of Session Act 1988, the sheriff principal ”;
(b) for the words “to the clerk of the jury” there shall be substituted the words “ to a clerk of ”;
(c) the words “by the clerk of the jury court” where they occur for the second time shall cease to have effect.

The Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1907 (c.51)
2 After section 38A there shall be inserted the following—

“Consistorial Causes

38B Lord Advocate as party to action for divorce.
(1) The Lord Advocate may enter appearance as a party in any action for divorce, and he may lead such proof and maintain such pleas as he thinks fit, and the sheriff shall, whenever he considers it necessary for the proper disposal of any such action, direct that the action shall be brought to the notice of the Lord Advocate in order that he may determine whether he should enter appearance therein.
(2) No expenses shall be claimable by or against the Lord Advocate in any action in which he has entered appearance under this section.

38C Orders with respect to children.
(1) In any action for divorce or separation, the sheriff may make, with respect to any child of the marriage to which the action relates, such order (including an interim order) as he thinks fit relating to parental rights, and may vary or recall such order.
(2) In this section—
(a) “child” and “parental rights” have the same meaning as in section 8 of the Law Reform (Parent and Child)(Scotland) Act 1986;
(b) “child of the marriage” includes any child who—
(i) is the child of both parties to the marriage, or
(ii) is the child of one party to the marriage and has been accepted as a child of the family by the other party.”

.

SCHEDULE 2 Repeals
Section 52(2).

Part I Enactments Repealed
1594 c.22.	The Declinature Act 1594.	The whole Act.
1672 c.6.	The Summons Execution Act 1672	The whole Act.
1681 c.79.	The Declinature Act 1681.	The whole Act so far as relating to the Court of Session.
48 Geo. 3. c.151.	The Court of Session Act 1808.	The whole Act.
50 Geo.3. c.112.	The Court of Session Act 1810.	The whole Act.
53 Geo. 3. c.64.	The Court of Session Act 1813.	The whole Act.
55 Geo. 3. c.42	The Jury Trials (Scotland) Act 1815.	Sections 1 to 19.
		In section 20 the words “by the clerk of the jury court” where they occur for the second time.
		Sections 21 to 41.
59 Geo. 3. c.35.	The Jury Trials (Scotland) Act 1819.	The whole Act.
59 Geo. 3. c.45.	The Court of Session Act 1819.	The whole Act.
1 & 2 Geo. 4. c.38.	The Court of Session Act 1821.	The whole Act except section 32.
6 Geo. 4. c.22.	The Jurors (Scotland) Act 1825.	Sections 17 and 19.
6 Geo. 4. c.120.	The Court of Session Act 1825.	Sections 1 to 52.
		In section 53 the words from the beginning to “sixty days; and” and the words “or sited”.
		Section 54.
11 Geo. 4 & 1 Wm. 4 c.69.	The Court of Session Act 1830.	Sections 1 to 3.
		Section 9.
		Section 11.
		Sections 15 and 16.
		Section 19.
		Section 29, so far as relating to the Court of Session, and the proviso.
		Section 35.
		Section 37.
		Section 40.
2 & 3 Wm. 4. c.5.	The Court of Session Act 1832.	The whole Act.
7 Wm. 4 & 1 Vict. c.14.	The Jury Trials (Scotland) Act 1837.	The whole Act.
1 & 2 Vict. c.86.	The Court of Session (No. 1) Act 1838.	The whole Act.
1 & 2 Vict. c.118.	The Court of Session (No. 2) Act 1838.	The whole Act except section 27.
2 & 3 Vict. c.36.	The Court of Session Act 1839.	Section 1.
13 & 14 Vict. c.36.	The Court of Session Act 1850.	The whole Act except section 16.
19 & 20 Vict. c.56.	The Exchequer Court (Scotland) Act 1856.	Sections 2 to 4.
		Section 13.
		In section 14 the words from “and such application” to “proper”.
		Sections 15 and 16.
		Sections 19 to 23.
		Sections 25 to 28.
		Section 44.
		Schedule G.
20 & 21 Vict. c.18.	The Bill Chamber Procedure Act 1857.	The whole Act.
20 & 21 Vict. c.56.	The Court of Session Act 1857.	The whole Act.
24 & 25 Vict. c.86.	The Conjugal Rights (Scotland) Amendment Act 1861.	The whole Act except sections 6 and 20.
29 & 30 Vict. c.112.	The Evidence (Scotland) Act 1866.	The whole Act.
31 & 32 Vict. c.100.	The Court of Session Act 1868.	Section 10.
		Sections 12 and 13.
		Section 14 in so far as it relates to summonses and petitions.
		Sections 15 to 44.
		In section 45 the words from “or at” to “such trial”).
		Section 46.
		In section 47 the words from “where the trial” to “town”.
		Sections 50 to 101.
31 & 32 Vict. c.125.	The Parliamentary Elections Act 1868	The whole Act.
40 & 41 Vict. c.11.	The Jurisdiction in Rating Act 1877.	In section 3, in the definition of “judge” the words “As to Scotland, any judge of the High Court of Session; and”.
42 & 43 Vict. c.75.	The Parliamentary Elections and Corrupt Practices Act 1879.	The whole Act.
46 & 47 Vict. c.51.	The Corrupt and Illegal Practices Prevention Act 1883.	The whole Act.
52 & 53 Vict. c.54.	The Clerks of Session (Scotland) Regulation Act 1889.	Sections 6 and 7.
		Section 9.
		Section 12.
10 Edw. 7 & 1 Geo. 5. c.31.	The Jury Trials Amendment (Scotland) Act 1910.	The whole Act.
18 & 19 Geo. 5. c.34.	The Reorganisation of Offices (Scotland) Act 1928.	Sections 8 and 9.
23 & 24 Geo. 5. c.41.	The Administration of Justice (Scotland) Act 1933.	Sections 2 to 6.
		Sections 9 to 11.
		Sections 13 to 18.
		In section 24, subsection (5).
		Section 30.
		In section 40, the definition of “consistorial cause”.
12, 13 & 14 Geo. 6. c.10.	The Administration of Justice (Scotland) Act 1948.	The whole Act.
12 & 13 Geo. 6. c.27.	The Juries Act 1949.	Schedule 1 so far as relating to the Court of Session Act 1868.
1968 c.5.	The Administration of Justice Act 1968.	The whole Act so far as relating to Scotland.
1972 c.59.	The Administration of Justice (Scotland) Act 1972.	Section 2.
1977 c.38.	The Administration of Justice Act 1977.	Section 29(1).
1980 c.55.	The Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1980.	Section 1(6)(b).
1983 c.12.	The Divorce Jurisdiction, Court Fees and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1983.	In Schedule 1, paragraphs 5 and 8.
1985 c.6.	The Companies Act 1985.	In section 425(5) the words from “in pursuance” to “1933”.
1985 c.73.	The Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985.	In Schedule 2, paragraph 8.
1986 c.9.	The Law Reform (Parent and Child) (Scotland) Act 1986.	In Schedule 1, paragraph 2.
1986 c.45.	The Insolvency Act 1986.	In section 120(2) the words from “in pursuance” to the end.
		In section 162(2) the words from “in pursuance” to “1933”.
1986 c.55.	The Family Law Act 1986	In Schedule 1, paragraph 1.

Part II Repealed Enactments which are Re-enacted
48 Geo. 3 c.151.	The Court of Session Act 1808	Section 15 except the words “to which such Lords Ordinary belong”.
		Section 17 except the words “or any four of the judges thereof”.
		Sections 18 to 20.
50 Geo. 3 c.112.	The Court of Session Act 1810	In section 32 the words from “three judges” to “inner house”.
53 Geo. 3 c.64.	The Court of Session Act 1813.	In section 17 the words from “the endorsation” to the end.
55 Geo. 3 c.42.	The Jury Trials (Scotland) Act 1815.	Section 1.
		Section 5.
		In section 6, the proviso.
		In section 7 the words from “nothwithstanding” to “when necessary”.
		Section 8 except the words “or judges” and “or by the judge admiral respectively”.
		In section 21 the words from “in challenging” to the end.
		In section 29 the words from the beginning to “be allowed”.
		Section 33 except the words from “to be afterwards” to the end.
59 Geo. 3 c.45.	The Court of Session Act 1819.	Section 1 in so far as it enables the senior Lord Ordinary to fill a vacancy arising in the Inner House.
1 & 2 Geo. 4. c.38.	The Court of Session Act 1821.	Section 1 except the words “advocation and” and “either for the lord ordinary on the bills or”.
6 Geo. 4 c.120.	The Court of Session Act 1825.	Section 1.
		Section 5 so far as relating to appeal to the House of Lords.
		In section 17 the words from “every interlocutor” to the end.
		In section 21 the words from “the judgment” to the end.
		Section 23.
		Section 28 except the words from “all actions on account of any injury to moveables” to “seduction”, from “all actions on the responsibility” to “nuisance” and from “all actions on policies” to the end and except so far as relating to the jury court and Court of Admirality.
		In section 40 the words from the beginning to “in the interlocutor” and from “and further” to “of the case” but only in relation to proofs in sheriff courts.
		In section 46 the words from “and in the event” to the end.
1 & 2 Vict. c.86.	The Court of Session (No. 1) Act 1838.	In section 4 the words from “in all cases” to “interim possession”.
		In section 5 the words from the beginning to “Session”.
13 & 14 Vict. c.36.	The Court of Session Act 1850.	Section 25.
		Section 28 except the words “without the necessity of such special allowance”.
		Section 35.
		Section 42.
19 & 20 Vict. c.56.	The Exchequer Court (Scotland) Act 1856.	Sections 2 and 3.
		Section 20.
		Sections 22 and 23.
		Section 25.
20 & 21 Vict. c.56.	The Court of Session Act 1857.	Section 5 so far as relating to petitions.
		Section 6 so far as relating to petitions.
24 & 25 Vict. c.86.	The Conjugal Rights (Scotland) Amendment Act 1861.	Sections 8 and 9.
		In section 13, the proviso.
29 & 30 Vict. c.112.	The Evidence (Scotland) Act 1866.	Section 1 in so far as it authorises the taking of proof before the Lord Ordinary.
		Section 2.
		Section 3 except the words from “and where” to the end.
		Section 4.
		Section 6.
31 & 32 Vict. c.100.	The Court of Session Act 1868.	Section 36.
		Section 44 except the words from “and if” to the end.
		Section 59.
		Section 60 except the words from “the printed” to “or to direct that”.
		In section 61 the words from the beginning to “verdict”.
		Sections 62 and 63.
		Section 72 so far as relating to appeals from the sheriff, except the words “although such law is not pleaded on the record”.
		Section 74 so far as relating to transmission of sheriff court causes.
		Section 89.
		In section 91 the words from the beginning to “seem proper”.
		In section 92, the last sentence.
		Section 100(2).
31 & 32 Vict. c.125.	The Parliamentary Elections Act 1868	Section 58.
40 & 41 Vict. c.11.	The Jurisdiction in Rating Act 1877.	In section 3, in the definition of “judge” the words “As to Scotland, any judge of the High Court of Session, and”.
42 & 43 Vict. c.75.	The Parliamentary Elections and Corrupt Practices Act 1879.	Section 2.
46 & 47 Vict. c.51.	The Corrupt and Illegal Practices Prevention Act 1883.	Section 42.
10 Edw. 7 & 1 Geo. 5 c.31.	The Jury Trials Amendment (Scotland) Act 1910.	Section 2.
23 & 24 Geo. 5 c.41.	The Administration of Justice (Scotland) Act 1933.	Section 2(1).
		Section 3(2).
		Section 4 so far as it relates to the regulation of the powers of the vacation judge by act of sederunt.
		In section 6, subsections (4) and (7).
		In section 10, subsections (1) and (6) to (8).
		In section 11, subsections (1) and (2).
		Section 14 so far as providing competence for reclaiming.
		Section 15 so far as relating to power to prescribe form of extract of decree.
		Sections 16 and 17.
		Section 18 except proviso (i) to subsection (3).
		Section 24(5).
12, 13 and 14. Geo. 6. c.10.	The Administration of Justice (Scotland) Act 1948.	Section 1 except the words from “when” to “thirteen”.
		Sections 2 and 3.
12 & 13 Geo. 6 c.27.	The Juries Act 1949.	Schedule 1 so far as relating to the Court of Session Act 1868.
1968 c. 5.	The Administration of Justice Act 1968.	Section 1 so far as relating to Scotland.
1972 c. 59.	The Administration of Justice (Scotland) Act 1972.	Section 2.
1977 c.38.	The Administration of Justice Act 1977.	Section 29(1).
1983 c.12.	The Divorce Jurisdiction, Court Fees and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1983.	In Schedule 1, paragraph 8.
1985 c.73.	The Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985.	In Schedule 2, paragraph 8.
1986 c.9.	The Law Reform (Parent and Child)(Scotland) Act 1986.	In Schedule 1, paragraph 2.

Part III Repealed Enactments which are not Re-enacted
1594 c.22.	The Declinature Act 1594.	The whole Act.
1672 c.6.	The Summons Execution Act 1672.	The whole Act.
1681 c.79.	The Declinature Act 1681.	The whole Act so far as relating to the Court of Session.
48 Geo. 3 c.151.	The Court of Session Act 1808.	Section 1.
		Section 4.
		Section 6.
		Section 10.
		Section 13.
		In section 15 the words “to which such Lords Ordinary belong”.
		In section 17 the words “or any four of the judges thereof”.
		Section 21.
50 Geo. 3 c.112.	The Court of Session Act 1810.	Section 11.
		Section 13.
		Sections 18 to 25.
		Sections 28 to 30.
		Section 32 except the words from “three judges” to “inner house”.
		Sections 33 to 38.
		Section 48.
		Sections 51 and 52.
		The Schedules.
53 Geo. 3 c.64.	The Court of Session Act 1813.	Section 1.
		Section 7.
		Section 14.
		Section 17 except the words from “the endorsation” to the end.
55 Geo. 3 c.42.	The Jury Trials (Scotland) Act 1815.	Section 6 except the proviso.
		Section 7 except the words from “notwithstanding” to “when necessary”.
		In section 8 the words “or judges” and “or by the judge admiral respectively.”
		Section 9.
		Section 12.
		Sections 15 to 17.
		Section 19.
		In section 20 the words “by the clerk of the jury court” where they occur for the second time.
		In section 21 the words from the beginning to “Provided always that”.
		Section 22.
		Section 23.
		Section 28.
		In section 29 the words after “be allowed”.
		In section 33 the words from “to be afterwards” to the end.
		Section 39.
		Section 41.
59 Geo. 3 c.35.	The Jury Trials (Scotland) Act 1819.	Sections 7 to 9.
		Sections 13 and 14.
		Section 17.
		Section 19.
		Sections 26 and 27.
		Section 35.
59 Geo. 3 c.45.	The Court of Session Act 1819.	Section 1 except in so far as it enables the senior Lord Ordinary to fill a vacancy arising in the Inner House.
		Section 3.
		Section 6.
1 & 2 Geo. 4 c.38.	The Court of Session Act 1821.	In section 1 the words “advocation and” and “either for the Lord Ordinary on the bills or”.
		Section 3.
		Section 9.
		Sections 11 to 14.
		Section 18.
		Section 24.
		Sections 26 and 27.
		Sections 29 to 31.
6 Geo. 4 c.22.	The Jurors (Scotland) Act 1825.	Sections 17 and 19.
6 Geo. 4 c.120.	The Court of Session Act 1825.	Section 5 except so far as relating to appeal to the House of Lords.
		Sections 11 and 12.
		In section 17 the words from the beginning to “in part; and”.
		Section 20.
		In section 21 the words from the beginning to “expenses; and”.
		Section 22.
		Sections 24 to 26.
		In section 28 the words from “all actions on account of any injury to moveables” to “seduction”, from “all actions on the responsibility” to “nuisance” and from “all actions on policies” to the end and that section so far as relating to the jury court and the Court of Admiralty.
		Section 33.
		Section 35.
		Section 40 so far as relating to proofs in inferior courts other than sheriff courts and in that section the words from “Provided however” to “repealed” and from “but it is” to the end.
		Section 44.
		Section 45.
		In section 46 the words from the beginning to “other division”.
		Sections 47 and 48.
		Sections 51 and 52.
		In section 53 the words from the beginning to “sixty days; and” and the words “or cited”.
		Section 54.
11 Geo. 4 & 1 Will. 4 c.69.	The Court of Session Act 1830.	Sections 1 to 3.
		Section 9.
		Section 11.
		Sections 15 and 16.
		Section 19.
		Section 29, so far as relating to the Court of Session, and the proviso.
		Section 35.
		Section 37.
		Section 40.
2 & 3 Will. 4 c.5.	The Court of Session Act 1832.	The whole Act.
7 Will. 4 & 1 Vict. c.14.	The Jury Trials (Scotland) Act 1837.	The whole Act.
1 & 2 Vict. c.86.	The Court of Session (No. 1) Act 1838.	Section 4 except the words from “in all cases” to “interim possession”.
		In section 5 the words from “by lodging” to the end.
		Section 6.
1 & 2 Vict. c.118.	The Court of Session (No. 2) Act 1838.	Section 1.
		Section 4.
		Section 14.
		Section 17.
		Section 21.
		Section 24.
		Section 26.
		Sections 28 and 29.
		The Schedule.
2 & 3 Vict. c.36.	The Court of Session Act 1839.	Section 1.
13 & 14 Vict. c.36.	The Court of Session Act 1850.	Section 5.
		Sections 7 and 8.
		Sections 17 to 20.
		Sections 22 and 23.
		Sections 26 and 27.
		In section 28 the words “without the necessity of such special allowance”.
		Section 29.
		Section 32.
		Section 36.
		Sections 39 to 41.
		Sections 44 to 53.
		Schedule (B).
19 & 20 Vict. c.56.	The Exchequer Court (Scotland) Act 1856.	Section 4.
		Section 13.
		In section 14 the words from “and such application” to “proper”.
		Sections 15 and 16.
		Section 19.
		Sections 26 to 28.
		Section 44.
		Schedule G.
20 & 21 Vict. c.18.	The Bill Chamber Procedure Act 1857.	The whole Act.
20 & 21 Vict. c.56.	The Court of Session Act 1857.	Section 5 so far as relating to applications and reports.
		Section 6 so far as relating to applications and reports.
		Section 8.
24 & 25 Vict. c.86.	The Conjugal Rights (Scotland) Amendment Act 1861.	Section 10.
		Section 13 except the proviso.
		Section 19.
29 & 30 Vict. c.112.	The Evidence (Scotland) Act 1866.	Section 1 except in so far as it authorises the taking of proof before the Lord Ordinary.
		In section 3 the words from “and where” to the end.
31 & 32 Vict. c.100.	The Court of Session Act 1868.	Section 10.
		Sections 12 and 13.
		Section 14 in so far as it relates to summonses and petitions.
		Sections 15 to 17.
		Sections 20 to 22.
		Sections 25 and 26.
		Sections 28 to 30.
		Section 32.
		Sections 34 and 35.
		Sections 37 and 38.
		Sections 40 and 41.
		Section 43.
		In section 44 the words from “and if” to the end.
		In section 45 the words from “or at” to “such trial)”.
		Section 46.
		In section 47 the words from “where the trial” to “town”
		Section 50.
		Sections 52 and 53.
		Sections 56 to 58.
		In section 60 the words from “the printed” to “or to direct that”.
		In section 61 the words from “but this” to the end.
		Sections 65 to 71.
		In section 72 the words “although such law is not pleaded on the record” and that section except so far as relating to appeals from the sheriff.
		Section 73.
		Section 74 except so far as relating to transmission of sheriff court causes.
		Sections 76 to 88.
		Section 90.
		In section 91 the words from “and such petitions” to the end.
		Section 92 except the last sentence.
		Section 93.
		Sections 95 to 99.
		Section 100(1).
		Section 101.
31 & 32 Vict. c.125.	The Parliamentary Elections Act 1868.	Section 1.
42 & 43 Vict. c.75.	The Parliamentary Elections and Corrupt Practices Act 1879.	Section 1.
46 & 47 Vict. c.51.	The Corrupt and Illegal Practices Prevention Act 1883.	Section 65.
52 & 53 Vict. c.54.	The Clerks of Session (Scotland) Regulation Act 1889.	Sections 6 and 7.
		Section 9.
		Section 12.
10 Edw. 7 & 1 Geo. 5 c.31.	The Jury Trials Amendment (Scotland) Act 1910.	Sections 3 and 4.
18 & 19 Geo. 5. c.34.	The Reorganisation of Offices (Scotland) Act 1928.	Sections 8 and 9.
23 & 24 Geo. 5. c.41.	The Administration of Justice (Scotland) Act 1933.	Section 2(2).
		Section 3(1).
		Section 4 except so far as it relates to the regulation of the powers of the vacation judge by act of sederunt.
		Section 5.
		In section 6, subsections (1) to (3) and (5) and (6).
		Section 9.
		In section 10, subsections (2) to (5).
		Section 11(3).
		Section 13.
		Section 14 so far as relating to procedure.
		Section 15 except so far as relating to power to prescribe form of extract of decree.
		In section 18(3), proviso (i).
		Section 30.
		In section 40, the definition of “consistorial cause”.
12, 13 & 14 Geo. 6. c.10.	The Administration of Justice (Scotland) Act 1948.	In section 1 the words from “when” to “thirteen”
		Section 5.
1968 c.5.	The Administration of Justice Act 1968.	Section 2.
1980 c.55.	The Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1980.	Section 1(6)(b).
1983 c.12.	The Divorce Jurisdiction, Court Fees and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1983.	In Schedule 1, paragraph 5.
1985 c.6.	The Companies Act 1985.	In section 425(5) the words from “in pursuance” to “1933”.
1986 c.45.	The Insolvency Act 1986.	In section 120(2) the words from “in pursuance” to the end.
		In section 162(2) the words from “in pursuance” to “1933”.
1986 c.55.	The Family Law Act 1986.	In Schedule 1, paragraph 1.