Jury

A Scottish criminal jury has 15 members; in trials starting on or after 1 January 2026, at least 10 must agree for a guilty verdict.

Serious criminal trials in the sheriff court and the High Court are decided by a jury of 15 people chosen at random from the public. For trials starting on or after 1 January 2026, the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Act 2025 requires a two-thirds majority to convict: at least 10 jurors where there are 14 or 15 jurors, 9 of 13, or 8 of 12. A trial can continue with as few as 12 jurors if some are discharged. Previously a simple majority of eight out of 15 was enough. If the required number do not agree the accused is guilty, the verdict must be not guilty, so there are no hung juries or retrials for lack of agreement. Jurors must not discuss or research the case outside the jury room.

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