General legal information about contract terms in the UK, not legal advice.
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Jurisdiction

A jurisdiction clause says which courts will hear disputes. It can be exclusive (only those courts) or non-exclusive.

Prepared by a retired English qualified solicitor (LLB, LLM) · reviewed · applies across the UK unless stated · how we draft

In more detail

It is different from governing law: it is possible, though unusual, for English courts to apply Scots law and vice versa.

In Scotland

The main Scottish civil courts are the sheriff courts and the Court of Session.

Put it into a contract

Be Contract Wise provides very powerful, carefully prepared tools to draft and review simple or complex contracts under the law of England and Wales or Scots law, explaining every clause in plain English.

England & Wales appScotland app

Reviewed 2026-09-24. General legal information, not legal advice.