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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.

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