Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995

Part I S Criminal Courts

Jurisdiction and Powers S

The High Court S

1 Judges in the High Court. S

(1) The Lord President of the Court of Session shall be the Lord Justice General and shall perform his duties as the presiding judge of the High Court.

(2) Every person who is appointed to the office of one of the Senators of the College of Justice in Scotland shall, by virtue of such appointment, be a Lord Commissioner of Justiciary in Scotland.

(3) If any difference arises as to the rotation of judges in the High Court, it shall be determined by the Lord Justice General, whom failing by the Lord Justice Clerk.

(4) Any Lord Commissioner of Justiciary may preside alone at the trial of an accused before the High Court.

(5) Without prejudice to subsection (4) above, in any trial of difficulty or importance it shall be competent for two or more judges in the High Court to preside for the whole or any part of the trial.

2 Fixing of High Court sittings. S

(1) The High Court shall sit at such times and places as the Lord Justice General, whom failing the Lord Justice Clerk, may, after consultation with the Lord Advocate, determine.

(2) Without prejudice to subsection (1) above, the High Court shall hold such additional sittings as the Lord Advocate may require.

(3) Where an accused has been cited to [F1 , or otherwise required to attend, a diet to be held at any] sitting of the High Court, the prosecutor may, at any time before the commencement of [F2 the diet or, in the case of a trial diet, the trial] , apply to the Court to transfer the case to [F3 a diet to be held at a sitting of the Court in another place] ; and a single judge of the High Court may—

(a) after giving the accused or his counsel an opportunity to be heard; or

(b) on the joint application of all parties,

make an order for the transfer of the case.

[F4 (3C) The judge may proceed under subsection (3) above on a joint application of the parties without hearing the parties and, accordingly, he may dispense with any hearing previously appointed for the purpose of considering the application.]

(4) Where no [F5 diets have been appointed to be held at] a sitting of the High Court or if it is no longer expedient that a sitting should take place, it shall not be necessary for the sitting to take place.

(5) If [F6 in any case a diet remains appointed to be held at] a sitting which does not take place in pursuance of subsection (4) above, subsection (3) above shall apply in relation to the transfer of any other such case to another sitting.

[F7 (6) For the purposes of subsection (3) above—

(a) a diet shall be taken to commence when it is called; and

(b) a trial shall be taken to commence when the oath is administered to the jury.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in s. 2(3) substituted (1.2.2005) by Criminal Procedure (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 5), ss. 25, 27(1), Sch. para. 2(a)(i); S.S.I. 2004/405, art. 2, Sch. 1 (subject to arts. 3-5)

F2 Words in s. 2(3) substituted (1.2.2005) by Criminal Procedure (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 5), ss. 25, 27(1), Sch. para. 2(a)(ii); S.S.I. 2004/405, art. 2, Sch. 1 (subject to arts. 3-5)

F3 Words in s. 2(3) substituted (1.2.2005) by Criminal Procedure (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 5), ss. 25, 27(1), Sch. para. 2(a)(iii); S.S.I. 2004/405, art. 2, Sch. 1 (subject to arts. 3-5)

F4 S. 2(3C) inserted (1.2.2005) by Criminal Procedure (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 5), ss. 25, 27(1), Sch. para. 2(b); S.S.I. 2004/405, art. 2, Sch. 1 (subject to arts. 3-5)

F5 Words in s. 2(4) substituted (1.2.2005) by Criminal Procedure (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 5), ss. 25, 27(1), Sch. para. 2(c); S.S.I. 2004/405, art. 2, Sch. 1 (subject to arts. 3-5)

F6 Words in s. 2(5) substituted (1.2.2005) by Criminal Procedure (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 5), ss. 25, 27(1), Sch. para. 2(d); S.S.I. 2004/405, art. 2, Sch. 1 (subject to arts. 3-5)

F7 S. 2(6) inserted (1.2.2005) by Criminal Procedure (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 5), ss. 25, 27(1), Sch. para. 2(e); S.S.I. 2004/405, art. 2, Sch. 1 (subject to arts. 3-5)

Solemn courts: general S

3 Jurisdiction and powers of solemn courts. S

(1) The jurisdiction and powers of all courts of solemn jurisdiction, except so far as altered or modified by any enactment passed after the commencement of this Act, shall remain as at the commencement of this Act.

(2) Any crime or offence which is triable on indictment may be tried by the High Court sitting at any place in Scotland.

(3) The sheriff shall, without prejudice to any other or wider power conferred by statute, not be entitled, on the conviction on indictment of an accused, to pass a sentence of imprisonment for a term exceeding [F8 five years].

(4) Subject to subsection (5) below, where under any enactment passed or made before 1st January 1988 (the date of commencement of section 58 of the M1 Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1987) an offence is punishable on conviction on indictment by imprisonment for a term exceeding two years but the enactment either expressly or impliedly restricts the power of the sheriff to impose a sentence of imprisonment for a term exceeding two years, it shall be competent for the sheriff to impose a sentence of imprisonment for a term exceeding two but not exceeding [F9 five years].

[F10 (4A) Subject to subsection (5) below, where under any enactment passed or made after 1st January 1988 but before the commencement of section 13 of the Crime and Punishment (Scotland) Act 1997 (increase in sentencing powers of sheriff courts) an offence is punishable on conviction on indictment for a term exceeding three years but the enactment either expressly or impliedly restricts the power of the sheriff to impose a sentence of imprisonment for a term exceeding three years, it shall be competent for the sheriff to impose a sentence of imprisonment for a term exceeding three but not exceeding five years.]

(5) Nothing in subsection (4) above shall authorise the imposition by the sheriff of a sentence in excess of the sentence specified by the enactment as the maximum sentence which may be imposed on conviction of the offence.

(6) Subject to any express exclusion contained in any enactment, it shall be lawful to indict in the sheriff court all crimes except murder, treason, rape [F11 (whether at common law or under section 1(1) of the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009 (asp 9)), rape of a young child (under section 18 of that Act)] and breach of duty by magistrates.

Textual Amendments

F8 Words in s. 3(3) substituted (1.5.2004) by 1997 c. 48, ss. 13(1)(a), 65(2); S.S.I. 2004/176, art. 2, (with art. 3)

F9 Words in s. 3(4) substituted (1.5.2004) by 1997 c. 48, ss. 13(1)(b), 65(2); S.S.I. 2004/176, art. 2, (with art. 3)

F10 S. 3(4A) inserted (1.5.2004) by 1997 c. 48, ss. 13(1)(c), 65(2); S.S.I. 2004/176, art. 2, (with art. 3)

F11 Words in s. 3(6) inserted (1.12.2010) by Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009 (asp 9), ss. 61, 62(2), Sch. 5 para. 2(2); S.S.I. 2010/413, art. 2, Sch.

Marginal Citations

M1 1987 c.41.

The sheriff S

4 Territorial jurisdiction of sheriff. S

(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, the jurisdiction of the sheriffs, within their respective sheriffdoms shall extend to and include all navigable rivers, ports, harbours, creeks, shores and anchoring grounds in or adjoining such sheriffdoms and includes all criminal maritime causes and proceedings (including those applying to persons furth of Scotland) provided that the accused is, by virtue of any enactment or rule of law, subject to the jurisdiction of the sheriff before whom the case or proceeding is raised.

(2) Where an offence is alleged to have been committed in one district in a sheriffdom, it shall be competent to try that offence in a sheriff court in any other district in that sheriffdom.

(3) It shall not be competent for the sheriff to try any crime committed on the seas which it would not be competent for him to try if the crime had been committed on land.

(4) The sheriff shall have a concurrent jurisdiction with every other court of summary jurisdiction in relation to all offences competent for trial in such courts.

5 The sheriff: summary jurisdiction and powers. S

(1) The sheriff, sitting as a court of summary jurisdiction, shall continue to have all the jurisdiction and powers exercisable by him at the commencement of this Act.

(2) The sheriff shall, without prejudice to any other or wider powers conferred by statute, have power on convicting any person of a common law offence—

(a) to impose a fine not exceeding the prescribed sum;

(b) to ordain the accused to find caution for good behaviour for any period not exceeding 12 months to an amount not exceeding the prescribed sum either in lieu of or in addition to a fine or in addition to imprisonment;

(c) failing payment of such fine, or on failure to find such caution, to award imprisonment in accordance with section 219 of this Act;

(d) to impose imprisonment, for any period not exceeding [F12 12] months.

(3) F13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) It shall be competent to prosecute summarily in the sheriff court the following offences—

(a) uttering a forged document;

(b) wilful fire-raising;

(c) robbery; and

(d) assault with intent to rob.

Textual Amendments

F12 Word in s. 5(2)(d) substituted (10.12.2007) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 43(a), 84; S.S.I. 2007/479, art. 3(1), Sch. (subject to art. 12)

F13 S. 5(3) repealed (10.12.2007) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 43(b), 84; S.S.I. 2007/479, art. 3(1), Sch. (subject to art. 12)

[F14 JP courts] S

Textual Amendments

F14 S. 6 cross-heading substituted (10.3.2008, 2.6.2008, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009 and 14.12.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 22.2.2010) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84(1), Sch. para. 9(5)(a); S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3, Schs. 1, 2

6 [F15 JP courts: constitution and prosecutor]. S

(1) F16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) The jurisdiction and powers of the [F17 JP court] shall be exercisable by a [F18 summary sheriff] or by one or more justices, and no decision of the court shall be questioned on the ground that it was not constituted as required by this subsection unless objection was taken on that ground by or on behalf of a party to the proceedings not later than the time when the proceedings or the alleged irregularity began.

(3) All prosecutions in a [F19 JP court] shall proceed at the instance of the procurator fiscal.

(4) F20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F21 (5) The authority of the procurator fiscal to prosecute in JP courts is without prejudice to the authority of any other person to take proceedings there in pursuance of section 43 (prosecutions and penalties) of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 (c. 44).]

[F22 (6) In this section, “justice” means a justice of the peace.]

Textual Amendments

F15 S. 6 title substituted (10.3.2008, 2.6.2008, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009 and 14.12.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 22.2.2010) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 9(5)(b); S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3, Schs. 1, 2

F16 S. 6(1) repealed (10.3.2008, 2.6.2008, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009 and 14.12.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 22.2.2010) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 9(1)(a); S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3, Schs. 1, 2

F17 Words in s. 6(2) substituted (10.3.2008, 2.6.2008, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009 and 14.12.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 22.2.2010) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 9(4); S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3, Schs. 1, 2

F18 Words in s. 6(2) substituted (1.4.2016) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 39(2); S.S.I. 2016/13, art. 2 sch. (with art. 3)

F19 Words in s. 6(3) substituted (10.3.2008, 2.6.2008, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009 and 14.12.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 22.2.2010) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 9(1)(b); S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3, Schs. 1, 2

F20 S. 6(4) repealed (10.3.2008, 2.6.2008, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009 and 14.12.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 22.2.2010) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 9(1)(c); S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3, Schs. 1, 2

F21 S. 6(5) substituted (10.3.2008, 2.6.2008, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009 and 14.12.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 22.2.2010) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 9(1)(d); S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3, Schs. 1, 2

F22 S. 6(6) substituted (10.3.2008, 2.6.2008, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009 and 14.12.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 22.2.2010) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 9(1)(e); S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3, Schs. 1, 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 6(2): power to amend conferred (prosp.) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 63(2), 84

7 [F23 JP courts: jurisdiction and powers]. S

F24 (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F24 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) Except in so far as any enactment (including this Act or an enactment passed after this Act) otherwise provides, it shall be competent for a [F25 JP court][F26 to—

(a) try any common law or statutory offence which is triable summarily;

(b) make such orders and grant such warrants as are appropriate to a court of summary jurisdiction;

(c) do anything else (by way of procedure or otherwise) as is appropriate to such a court]

(4) It shall be competent, whether or not the accused has been previously convicted of an offence inferring dishonest appropriation of property, for any of the following offences to be tried in the [F27 JP court]—

(a) theft or reset of theft;

(b) falsehood, fraud or wilful imposition;

(c) breach of trust or embezzlement,

where (in any such case) the amount concerned does not exceed level 4 on the standard scale.

F28 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6) The [F29 JP court] shall, without prejudice to any other or wider powers conferred by statute, be entitled on convicting of a common law offence—

(a) to impose imprisonment for any period not exceeding 60 days;

(b) to impose a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale;

(c) to ordain the accused (in lieu of or in addition to such imprisonment or fine) to find caution for good behaviour for any period not exceeding six months and to an amount not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale;

(d) failing payment of such fine or on failure to find such caution, to award imprisonment in accordance with section 219 of this Act,

but in no case shall the total period of imprisonment imposed in pursuance of this subsection exceed 60 days.

(7) Without prejudice to any other or wider power conferred by any enactment, it shall not be competent for a [F30 JP court], as respects any statutory offence—

(a) to impose a sentence of imprisonment for a period exceeding 60 days;

(b) to impose a fine of an amount exceeding level 4 on the standard scale; or

(c) to ordain an accused person to find caution for any period exceeding six months or to an amount exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

(8) The [F31 JP court] shall not have jurisdiction to try or to pronounce sentence in the case of any person—

(a) F32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) brought before it accused or suspected of having committed within its jurisdiction any of the following offences—

(i) murder, culpable homicide, robbery, rape [F33 (whether at common law or under section 1(1) of the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009 (asp 9)), rape of a young child (under section 18 of that Act)], wilful fire-raising, or attempted wilful fire-raising;

(ii) theft by housebreaking, or housebreaking with intent to steal;

(iii) theft or reset, falsehood fraud or wilful imposition, breach of trust or embezzlement, where the value of the property is an amount exceeding level 4 on the standard scale;

(iv) assault causing the fracture of a limb, assault with intent to ravish, assault to the danger of life, or assault by stabbing;

(v) uttering forged documents or uttering forged bank or banker’s notes, or offences under the Acts relating to coinage.

(9) Without prejudice to subsection (8) above, where either in the preliminary investigation or in the course of the trial of any offence it appears that the offence is one which—

(a) cannot competently be tried in the court before which an accused is brought; or

(b) in the opinion of the court in view of the circumstances of the case, should be dealt with by a higher court,

the court may take cognizance of the offence and commit the accused to prison for examination for any period not exceeding four days.

(10) Where an accused is committed as mentioned in subsection (9) above, the prosecutor in the court which commits the accused shall forthwith give notice of the committal to the procurator fiscal of the [F34 area] within which the offence was committed or to such other official as is entitled to take cognizance of the offence in order that the accused may be dealt with according to law.

Textual Amendments

F23 S. 7 title substituted (10.3.2008, 2.6.2008, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009 and 14.12.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 22.2.2010) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 9(5)(c); S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3, Schs. 1, 2

F24 S. 7(1)(2) repealed (10.3.2008, 2.6.2008, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009 and 14.12.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 22.2.2010) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 9(2)(a); S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3, Schs. 1, 2

F25 Words in s. 7(3)-(8) substituted (10.3.2008, 2.6.2008, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009 and 14.12.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 22.2.2010) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 9(4); S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3, Schs. 1, 2

F26 Words in s. 7(3) substituted (10.3.2008, 2.6.2008, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009 and 14.12.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 22.2.2010) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 9(2)(b); S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3, Schs. 1, 2

F27 Words in s. 7(3)-(8) substituted (10.3.2008, 2.6.2008, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009 and 14.12.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 22.2.2010) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 9(4); S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3, Schs. 1, 2

F28 S. 7(5) repealed (1.4.2016) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 39(3); S.S.I. 2016/13, art. 2 sch. (with art. 3)

F29 Words in s. 7(3)-(8) substituted (10.3.2008, 2.6.2008, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009 and 14.12.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 22.2.2010) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 9(4); S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3, Schs. 1, 2

F30 Words in s. 7(3)-(8) substituted (10.3.2008, 2.6.2008, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009 and 14.12.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 22.2.2010) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 9(4); S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3, Schs. 1, 2

F31 Words in s. 7(3)-(8) substituted (10.3.2008, 2.6.2008, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009 and 14.12.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 22.2.2010) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 9(4); S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3, Schs. 1, 2

F32 S. 7(8)(a) and word repealed (10.3.2008, 2.6.2008, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009 and 14.12.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 22.2.2010) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 9(2)(d); S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3, Schs. 1, 2

F33 Words in s. 7(8)(b)(i) inserted (1.12.2010) by Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009 (asp 9), ss. 61, 62(2), Sch. 5 para. 2(3); S.S.I. 2010/413, art. 2, Sch.

F34 Word in s. 7(10) substituted (10.3.2008, 2.6.2008, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009 and 14.12.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 22.2.2010) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 9(2)(e); S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3, Schs. 1, 2

[F35 Sittings of sheriff and JP courts] S

Textual Amendments

F35 S. 8 cross-heading substituted (10.3.2008, 2.6.2008, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009 and 14.12.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 22.2.2010) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 9(5)(d); S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3, Schs. 1, 2

8 [F36 Sittings of sheriff and JP courts]. S

(1) Notwithstanding any enactment or rule of law, a sheriff court or a [F37 JP court]—

(a) shall not be required to sit on any Saturday or Sunday or on a day which by virtue of subsection (2) or (3) below is a court holiday; but

(b) may sit on any day for the disposal of criminal business.

(2) A sheriff principal may in an order made under [F38 section 28(1) of the Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014] prescribe in respect of criminal business not more than [F39 11] days, other than Saturdays and Sundays, in a calendar year as court holidays in the sheriff courts within his jurisdiction; and may in the like manner prescribe as an additional court holiday any day which has been proclaimed, under section 1(3) of the M2 Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, to be a bank holiday either throughout the United Kingdom or in a place or locality in the United Kingdom within his jurisdiction.

(3) [F40 A sheriff principal may] prescribe not more than [F39 11] days, other than Saturdays and Sundays, in a calendar year as court holidays in the [F41 JP courts] within his jurisdiction; and he may F42 . . . prescribe as an additional holiday any day which has been proclaimed, under section 1(3) of the said Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, to be a bank holiday either throughout the United Kingdom or in a place or locality in the United Kingdom within his jurisdiction.

(4) A sheriff principal may in pursuance of subsection (2) or (3) above prescribe different days as court holidays in relation to different sheriff or [F43 JP courts] .

Textual Amendments

F36 S. 8 title substituted (10.3.2008, 2.6.2008, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009 and 14.12.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 22.2.2010) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 9(5)(e); S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3, Schs. 1, 2

F37 Words in s. 8(1) substituted (10.3.2008, 2.6.2008, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009 and 14.12.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 22.2.2010) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 9(4); S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3, Schs. 1, 2

F38 Words in s. 8(2) substituted (1.4.2015) by The Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2015 (S.S.I. 2015/150), art. 1, sch. para. 5

F39 Word in s. 8(2)(3) substituted (16.3.2009) by Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008 (asp 6), ss. 59(2), 76; S.S.I. 2009/83, art. 2

F40 Words in s. 8(3) substituted (10.3.2008, 2.6.2008, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009 and 14.12.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 22.2.2010) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 9(3)(a); S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3, Schs. 1, 2

F41 Words in s. 8(3)(4) substituted (10.3.2008, 2.6.2008, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009 and 14.12.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 22.2.2010) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 9(4); S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3, Schs. 1, 2

F42 Words in s. 8(3) repealed (10.3.2008, 2.6.2008, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009 and 14.12.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 22.2.2010) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 9(3)(b); S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3, Schs. 1, 2

F43 Words in s. 8(3)(4) substituted (10.3.2008, 2.6.2008, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009 and 14.12.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 22.2.2010) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 9(4); S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3, Schs. 1, 2

Marginal Citations

M2 1971 c.80.

Territorial jurisdiction: general S

9 Boundaries of jurisdiction. S

(1) Where an offence is committed in any harbour, river, arm of the sea or other water (tidal or otherwise) which runs between or forms the boundary of the jurisdiction of two or more courts, the offence may be tried by any one of such courts.

(2) Where an offence is committed on the boundary of the jurisdiction of two or more courts, or within the distance of 500 metres of any such boundary, or partly within the jurisdiction of one court and partly within the jurisdiction of another court or courts, the offence may be tried by any one of such courts.

(3) Where an offence is committed against any person or in respect of any property in or on any carriage, cart or vehicle employed in a journey by road or railway, or on board any vessel employed in a river, loch, canal or inland navigation, the offence may be tried by any court through whose jurisdiction the carriage, cart, vehicle or vessel passed in the course of the journey or voyage during which the offence was committed.

(4) Where several offences, which if committed in one sheriff court district could be tried [F44 together] , are alleged to have been committed by any person in different sheriff court districts, the accused may be tried for all or any of those [F45 offences—

(a) under one indictment or complaint before the sheriff of any one of the districts; or

(b) under one complaint in the JP court for any one of the districts.]

(5) Where an offence is authorised by this section to be tried by any court, it may be dealt with, heard, tried, determined, adjudged and punished as if the offence had been committed wholly within the jurisdiction of such court.

Textual Amendments

F44 Word in s. 9(4) substituted (10.3.2008, 2.6.2008, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009 and 14.12.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 22.2.2010) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 9(6)(a); S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3, Schs. 1, 2

F45 Words in s. 9(4) substituted (10.3.2008, 2.6.2008, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009 and 14.12.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 22.2.2010) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 9(6)(b); S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3, Schs. 1, 2

[F46 9A Competence of justice's actings outwith jurisdiction S

[F47 It is competent for a justice, even if not present within his jurisdiction, to sign any warrant, judgment, interlocutor or other document relating to proceedings within that jurisdiction provided that when he does so he is present within Scotland.]]

Textual Amendments

F46 S. 9A inserted (27.6.2003) by Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 7), ss. 59, 89; S.S.I. 2003/288, art. 2, Sch.

F47 S. 9A repealed (10.12.2007, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009, 14.12.2009 and 22.2.2010 for certain purposes, otherwise prosp.) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 9(7); S.S.I. 2007/479, art. 3(1), Sch. (as amended by S.S.I. 2007/527); S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3, Schs. 1, 2

10 Crimes committed in different districts. S

(1) Where a person is alleged to have committed in more than one sheriff court district a crime or crimes to which subsection (2) below applies, he may be [F48 prosecuted in] the sheriff court [F49 or JP court] of such one of those districts as the Lord Advocate determines.

(2) This subsection applies to—

(a) a crime committed partly in one sheriff court district and partly in another;

(b) crimes connected with each other but committed in different sheriff court districts;

(c) crimes committed in different sheriff court districts in succession which, if they had been committed in one such district, could have been tried [F50 together] .

(3) Where, in pursuance of subsection (1) above, a case is tried in the sheriff court [F51 or JP court] of any sheriff court district, the procurator fiscal of that district shall have power to prosecute in that case even if the crime was in whole or in part committed in a different district, and the procurator fiscal shall have the like powers in relation to such case, whether before, during or after the trial, as he has in relation to a case arising out of a crime or crimes committed wholly within his own district.

Textual Amendments

F48 Words in s. 10(1) substituted (10.3.2008) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 10(a)(i); S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.

F49 Words in s. 10(1) inserted (10.3.2008) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 10(a)(ii); S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.

F50 Word in s. 10(2)(c) substituted (10.3.2008) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 10(b); S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.

F51 Words in s. 10(3) inserted (10.3.2008) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 10(c); S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.

[F52 10A Jurisdiction for transferred cases S

(1) A sheriff has jurisdiction for any cases which come before the sheriff by virtue of—

(a) section 34A or 83 of this Act; or

(b) section 137A, 137B, 137C or 137D of this Act.

[F53 (1A) The jurisdiction of a JP court includes jurisdiction for any cases which come before it by virtue of section 137CA, 137CB or 137CC of this Act.]

(2) A procurator fiscal for a sheriff court district shall have—

(a) power to prosecute in any cases which come before a sheriff of that district by virtue of a provision mentioned in subsection (1) above; F54 ...

[F55 (aa) power to prosecute in any cases which come before a JP court of that district by virtue of a provision mentioned in subsection (1A) above;]

(b) the like powers in relation to such cases as he has for the purposes of [F56 the other cases which come before that sheriff when exercising criminal jurisdiction or (as the case may be) before that JP court].

[F57 (3) This section is without prejudice to sections 4 to 10 of this Act.]]

Textual Amendments

F52 S. 10A inserted (10.3.2008) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6) , ss. 80 , 84 , Sch. para. 11 ; S.S.I. 2008/42 , art. 3 , Sch.

F53 S. 10A(1A) inserted (28.3.2011) by Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 13) , s. 206(1) , sch. 7 para. 27(a) ; S.S.I. 2011/178 , art. 2 , sch.

F54 Word in s. 10A(2) repealed (28.3.2011) by Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 13) , s. 206(1) , sch. 7 para. 27(b)(i) ; S.S.I. 2011/178 , art. 2 , sch.

F55 S. 10A(2)(aa) inserted (28.3.2011) by Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 13) , s. 206(1) , sch. 7 para. 27(b)(ii) ; S.S.I. 2011/178 , art. 2 , sch.

F56 Words in s. 10A(2)(b) substituted (28.3.2011) by Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 13) , s. 206(1) , sch. 7 para. 27(b)(iii) ; S.S.I. 2011/178 , art. 2 , sch.

F57 S. 10A(3) substituted (28.3.2011) by Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 13) , s. 206(1) , sch. 7 para. 27(c) ; S.S.I. 2011/178 , art. 2 , sch.

11 Certain offences committed outside Scotland. S

(1) Any [F58 relevant person] who in a country outside the United Kingdom does any act or makes any omission which if done or made in Scotland would constitute the crime of murder or of culpable homicide shall be guilty of the same crime and subject to the same punishment as if the act or omission had been done or made in Scotland.

(2) Any [F59 relevant person] employed in the service of the Crown who, in a foreign country, when acting or purporting to act in the course of his employment, does any act or makes any omission which if done or made in Scotland would constitute an offence punishable on indictment shall be guilty of the same offence and subject to the same punishment, as if the act or omission had been done or made in Scotland.

[F60 (2A) Any relevant person who in a country outside the United Kingdom does any act which—

(a) constitutes an offence under the law in force in that country, and

(b) if done in Scotland would constitute the crime of assault,

is guilty of the same crime and subject to the same punishment as if the act had been done in Scotland.

(2B) For the purposes of subsection (2A)(a), an act punishable under the law in force in the country is an offence under that law however it is described in that law.

(2C) The condition specified in subsection (2A)(a) is to be taken as satisfied unless, not later than such time as may be prescribed by Act of Adjournal, the accused serves on the prosecutor a notice—

(a) stating that, on the facts as alleged with respect to the act in question, the condition is not in the accused's opinion satisfied,

(b) setting out the grounds for the accused's opinion, and

(c) requiring the prosecutor to prove that the condition is satisfied.

(2D) But the court, if it thinks fit, may permit the accused to require the prosecutor to prove that the condition is satisfied without the prior service of a notice under subsection (2C).

(2E) In proceedings on indictment, the question whether the condition is satisfied is to be determined by the judge alone.

(2F) For the purposes of subsections (1) to (2B)—

• “country” includes territory;

• “relevant person” means a person who is a United Kingdom national or is habitually resident in Scotland;

• “United Kingdom national” means an individual who is—

  (a)

  a British citizen, a British overseas territories citizen, a British National (Overseas) or a British Overseas citizen,

  (b)

  a person who under the British Nationality Act 1981 is a British subject, or

  (c)

  a British protected person within the meaning of that Act.]

(3) A person may be [F61 prosecuted], tried and punished for an offence to which this section applies—

(a) in any sheriff court district in Scotland in which he is apprehended or is in custody; or

(b) in such sheriff court district as the Lord Advocate may determine,

as if the offence had been committed in that district, and the offence shall, for all purposes incidental to or consequential on the trial or punishment thereof, be deemed to have been committed in that district.

(4) Any person who—

(a) has in his possession in Scotland property which he has stolen in any other part of the United Kingdom; or

(b) in Scotland receives property stolen in any other part of the United Kingdom,

may be [F62 prosecuted], tried and punished in Scotland in like manner as if he had stolen it in Scotland.

[F63 (5) Where a person in any part of the United Kingdom outside Scotland—

(a) steals or attempts to steal any mail-bag or postal packet in the course of its transmission by post, or any of the contents of such a mail-bag or postal packet; or

(b) in stealing or with intent to steal any such mail-bag or postal packet or any of its contents commits any robbery, attempted robbery or assault with intent to rob,

he is guilty of the offence mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) as if he had committed it in Scotland and shall be liable to be prosecuted, tried and punished there without proof that the offence was committed there.

(6) Any expression used in subsection (5) and in the Postal Services Act 2000 has the same meaning in that subsection as it has in that Act.]

Textual Amendments

F58 Words in s. 11(1) substituted (29.6.2021) by Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (c. 17), s. 90(6), Sch. 3 para. 4(2); S.S.I. 2021/239, reg. 2

F59 Words in s. 11(2) substituted (29.6.2021) by Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (c. 17), s. 90(6), Sch. 3 para. 4(2); S.S.I. 2021/239, reg. 2

F60 S. 11(2A)-(2F) inserted (29.6.2021) by Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (c. 17), s. 90(6), Sch. 3 para. 4(3); S.S.I. 2021/239, reg. 2

F61 Word in s. 11(3) substituted (28.3.2011) by Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 13), s. 206(1), sch. 7 para. 28(a); S.S.I. 2011/178, art. 2, sch.

F62 Word in s. 11(4) substituted (28.3.2011) by Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 13), s. 206(1), sch. 7 para. 28(b); S.S.I. 2011/178, art. 2, sch.

F63 S. 11(5)(6) inserted (26.3.2001) by 2000 c. 26, s. 127(4), Sch. 8 para. 24; S.I. 2001/1148, art. 2, Sch. (subject to arts. 3-42)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 S. 11(3) applied (27.6.2003) by Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 7), ss. {69(2)(c)}, 89; S.S.I. 2003/288, art. 2, Sch.

[F64 11A [F65 Conspiracy to commit offences outwith Scotland] S

(1) This section applies to any act done by a person in Scotland which would amount to conspiracy to commit an offence but for the fact that the criminal purpose is intended to occur [F66 outwith Scotland].

(2) Where a person does an act to which this section applies, the criminal purpose shall be treated as the offence mentioned in subsection (1) above and he shall, accordingly, be guilty of conspiracy to commit the offence.

(3) A person is guilty of an offence by virtue of this section only if the criminal purpose would involve at some stage—

(a) an act by him or another party to the conspiracy; or

(b) the happening of some other event,

constituting an offence under [F67 the relevant law]; and conduct punishable under [F68 that law] is an offence under that law for the purposes of this section however it is described in that law.

[F69 (3A) In subsection (3) above, “the relevant law” is—

(a) if the act or event was intended to take place in another part of the United Kingdom, the law in force in that part,

(b) if the act or event was intended to take place in a country or territory outwith the United Kingdom, the law in force in that country or territory.]

(4) Subject to subsection (6) below, a condition specified in subsection (3) above shall be taken to be satisfied unless, not later than such time as High Court may, by Act of Adjournal, prescribe, the accused serves on the prosecutor a notice—

(a) stating that, on the facts as alleged with respect to the relevant conduct, the condition is not in his opinion satisfied;

(b) setting out the grounds for his opinion; and

(c) requiring the prosecutor to prove that the condition is satisfied.

(5) In subsection (4) above “ the relevant conduct ” means the agreement to effect the criminal purpose.

(6) The court may permit the accused to require the prosecutor to prove that the condition mentioned in subsection (4) above is satisfied without the prior service of a notice under that subsection.

(7) In proceedings on indictment, the question whether a condition is satisfied shall be determined by the judge alone.

(8) Nothing in this section—

(a) applies to an act done before the day on which the Criminal Justice (Terrorism and Conspiracy) Act 1998 was passed, or

(b) imposes criminal liability on any person acting on behalf of, or holding office under, the Crown.]

Textual Amendments

F64 S. 11A inserted (4.9.1998) by Criminal Justice (Terrorism and Conspiracy) Act 1998 (c. 40), s. 7

F65 S. 11A title substituted (28.3.2011) by Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 13), ss. 50(1), 206(1); S.S.I. 2011/178, art. 2, sch.

F66 Words in s. 11A(1) substituted (28.3.2011) by Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 13), ss. 50(2)(a), 206(1); S.S.I. 2011/178, art. 2, sch.

F67 Words in s. 11A(3) substituted (28.3.2011) by Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 13), ss. 50(2)(b)(i), 206(1); S.S.I. 2011/178, art. 2, sch.

F68 Words in s. 11A(3) substituted (28.3.2011) by Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 13), ss. 50(2)(b)(ii), 206(1); S.S.I. 2011/178, art. 2, sch.

F69 S. 11A(3A) inserted (28.3.2011) by Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 13), ss. 50(2)(c), 206(1); S.S.I. 2011/178, art. 2, sch.