Legal Definitions - Lord President

The Lord President is the most senior judicial officer in Scotland. This individual holds a unique dual role: they are the head of Scotland's supreme civil court, known as the Court of Session, and also the head of Scotland's supreme criminal court, where they are referred to as the Lord Justice General. Essentially, the Lord President oversees the entire Scottish judiciary, ensuring the proper administration of justice across both civil and criminal legal systems.

• Example 1: Presiding over a Major Civil Appeal

  Imagine a complex legal dispute involving a multi-million-pound contract between two Scottish energy companies. After initial hearings, the case is appealed to the highest civil court in Scotland, the Inner House of the Court of Session. The Lord President would typically preside over the First Division of this court, leading the panel of judges who hear the final arguments and deliver the definitive legal ruling. This demonstrates their role as the ultimate authority in Scotland's civil justice system.

• Example 2: Guiding Criminal Justice Policy

  When the Scottish Government considers significant reforms to sentencing guidelines for serious crimes, the Lord President, in their capacity as Lord Justice General, would be a key figure in the consultation process. They might issue practice directions to all criminal courts across Scotland, ensuring consistency in how new laws are interpreted and applied, or lead discussions among senior judges on the practical implications of such changes for the entire criminal justice system. This illustrates their leadership in criminal law and their dual judicial title.

• Example 3: Overseeing Judicial Administration and Rules

  Suppose there is a need to update the procedural rules for all Scottish courts to incorporate new digital evidence standards or to streamline court processes. The Lord President would be responsible for initiating and overseeing the committee tasked with drafting these new rules, consulting with legal professionals, and ultimately approving the changes that will govern how cases are conducted across the country. This highlights their broader administrative and leadership function within the Scottish judiciary, beyond just hearing individual cases.