Full committal

Full committal is the second court appearance in a serious (solemn) case, when the accused is formally committed for trial.

In solemn cases, the accused first appears on petition and is often committed for further examination, meaning the Crown needs more time to investigate. Full committal is the next appearance, usually within about a week, again in private before a sheriff. The accused is then committed until liberated in due course of law, which means the case will proceed towards an indictment and trial. At full committal, an accused who was remanded at the first appearance can apply for bail again. If the accused stays in custody, the custody time limits run from full committal: the indictment must generally be served within 80 days, the first diet or preliminary hearing held within 110 days and the trial started within 140 days, unless the court extends them.

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