High Court of Justiciary

The High Court of Justiciary is Scotland's supreme criminal court, trying the most serious crimes and hearing criminal appeals.

The High Court of Justiciary has two roles. As a trial court, it hears the most serious cases, such as murder, rape and serious drugs or firearms offences, before a judge and a jury of 15. It sits in Edinburgh and Glasgow and in other towns across Scotland. It can impose any sentence the law allows, including life imprisonment. Prosecutions are brought by advocates depute on behalf of the Lord Advocate. As an appeal court, it hears appeals from solemn cases in the sheriff court and the High Court, and some appeals from the Sheriff Appeal Court. It also hears cases referred by the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission. Its decisions on Scots criminal law are generally final, except for some human rights and devolution issues.

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