B1.12 Scottish Legal System

The Scottish legal system in a pluralistic system based on civil-law principles. The common law elements of which date back to the High Middle Ages.

The legal system in Scotland has two distinct sections. Each section has its own courts and systems for dealing with cases and appeals:

Disputes between individuals or organisations (e.g. divorce) are civil cases heard in civil courts.
Cases which involve charges being brought against individuals or organisations (e.g assault) are criminal cases brought in criminal courts.