Sheriff Court

Sheriff Courts are an inferior court in the Scottish legal system. They are the lowest court for Civil claims, and a court of first instance for Criminal cases.

There are 6 Sheriffdoms within Scotland, splitting 49 districts.

They are presided by Sheriffs, who have a legal qualification.

Civil Jurisdiction

 * Summary Cause and Small Claim actions (less than £5000)
 * Ordinary Proceedure (Over £5000)

Sheriff Courts have exclusive jurisdiction for claims worth less than £5000; claims of higher value can alternatively be heard in the Court of Session Outer House.

Criminal Jurisdiction
Sheriff Courts can hear criminal cases through either the Summary Proceedure or the Solemn Proceedure

Sentencing

 * Under the Summary Procedure Sheriff courts can impose sentences of
 * Up to 12 Months Imprisonment
 * Fines up to £10,000
 * When following the Solemn Proceedure this rises to
 * Up to 5 years imprisonment
 * Unlimited fines
 * In addition, if the Sheriff feels their sentencing powers are not enough for the crime, they can remit it to the High court of the Justiciary
 * In addition, if the Sheriff feels their sentencing powers are not enough for the crime, they can remit it to the High court of the Justiciary