Citation

A citation is an official document telling an accused person, witness or juror when and where they must go to court.

In Scotland, being cited means being formally required to attend court. An accused person who has not been kept in custody usually receives a citation with the complaint, telling them the date of the pleading diet or how to respond. Witnesses receive a witness citation telling them when to come to court to give evidence, and jurors receive a jury citation. A citation can be sent by post, delivered by police or served in other ways allowed by law. Ignoring a citation without a reasonable excuse is serious: the court can grant a warrant for the person's arrest. Witnesses who have difficulty attending, or who need support, should contact the organisation named on the citation, such as COPFS, as early as possible.

Checked as at 25 September 2026. General information only, not legal advice.