Verdict
This is the decision reached at the end of a trial. There are three verdicts in Scotland: guilty; not guilty; and not proven. Guilty means that the accused was found to have committed the crime(s) and not guilty means that the accused was not found to have committed the crime(s). Not proven has the same result as ‘not guilty’ which means the accused is acquitted and cleared of the offence.
Vest (seised) A person is seised or vested in property when it becomes that person's property by legal right or authority.
Vexatious litigant A person who takes proceedings primarily for the annoyance or embarrassment of the defender and whose activities in raising actions may be restrained by the Court of Session.
Victim
This is someone who has been directly affected by the crime committed. Before a criminal case has been proved in court, a person can be referred to as an 'alleged' victim.
Victim Statement
This is written by victims of crime telling the judge how the offence has affected them – physically, emotionally and financially.
Volenti non fit injuria Accepting the risk of injury.