Legal Definitions - act of Parliament of Scotland

An act of Parliament of Scotland refers to a law formally passed by the historical Parliament of Scotland.

This body existed from the 14th century until 1707, when the Acts of Union merged the Kingdom of Scotland with the Kingdom of England to form Great Britain. Therefore, an act of Parliament of Scotland is a statute that was enacted before 1707 and formed part of the legal framework of the independent Kingdom of Scotland. These historical acts are distinct from laws passed by the modern, devolved Scottish Parliament, which was established in 1999.

• Example 1: Land Ownership and Feudal Rights

  Imagine a historian researching a centuries-old Scottish estate. They might uncover a document from the 16th century that references an "act of Parliament of Scotland" which clarified the rights and obligations of feudal lords and their tenants, or established specific rules for inheriting land within a clan. This act would have been a binding law governing property relations across the kingdom at that time.

  How it illustrates the term: This example shows a law passed by the pre-1707 Scottish Parliament that regulated a fundamental aspect of society – land ownership and feudal structure – demonstrating its role in shaping the legal landscape of independent Scotland.

• Example 2: Regulation of Trade and Commerce

  Consider a scholar studying Scotland's economic history in the 15th century. They might discover an "act of Parliament of Scotland" that imposed duties on the export of certain goods, such as wool or fish, or set standards for the quality of goods produced for trade. Such an act would have been designed to protect Scottish industries or generate revenue for the Crown.

  How it illustrates the term: This illustrates a law enacted by the historical Scottish Parliament to manage and control economic activities and trade within the kingdom, reflecting its legislative authority over commercial matters before the Union.

• Example 3: Public Order and Social Conduct

  A legal researcher examining historical criminal justice in 17th-century Scotland might find references to an "act of Parliament of Scotland" that addressed public disturbances, vagrancy, or even mandated attendance at church services. These acts were designed to maintain social order, enforce moral codes, or ensure public safety across Scottish communities.

  How it illustrates the term: This demonstrates a law passed by the historical Scottish Parliament to regulate the behavior of its citizens and maintain public order, showcasing its legislative power over social and criminal matters in the independent kingdom.