This page is under development. Please email judicialcomms@scotcourts.gov.uk to suggest words to be added to the glossary.
A
Abandonment
A procedure by which a party gives up civil proceedings or an appeal
Absolute discharge
This is a court disposal that can be used in certain circumstances where a person has been convicted of, or pleaded guilty to, an offence. It can be imposed instead of a sentence (or in summary cases instead of a conviction) discharging the person absolutely. This means no penalty is imposed, and in summary cases no conviction is recorded.
Advocate depute
A person appointed by the Lord Advocate to prosecute in the High Court of Justiciary.
Appeal
A re-hearing of a case by a higher court than the court which first heard the case (at first instance). A re-hearing means re-consideration by the higher court of the evidence led, and the legal issues considered. The courts where appeals are heard are called appellate courts.