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Taking legal action

Taking legal action can be stressful and expensive. It will help if you understand how the legal system works and what kind of help you can get.

These pages explain the different types of courts that make up the legal system and what they are used for.

You can find how if you are entitled to help with costs and who can give legal advice. You can also find information about how to solve your problem without going to court.

Jury service

Information on jury service covering who can serve, and rights and duties of jurors.

Going to court using simple procedure

Information to explain court action using the simple procedure when the value of the claim is up to £5,000.

Help with legal costs

Document covers sources of advice and help with legal costs from publicly funded and other legal help schemes in Scotland.

Do you need help with a legal case

An overview of the types of legal advice and support available if you need help with a legal case and factors to take into consideration before taking legal action.

Using a solicitor

Information on whether a solicitor is needed to provide legal advice, making a choice, guidelines on costs and complaints procedure.

Using a lay representative in civil legal action

Information about who may be a lay representative and how they can help you prepare and conduct a civil legal case.

Young people and the law

Find out about the age of criminal responsibility and the rights of young people in relation to the police and in criminal and civil proceedings.

Courts of law

Information about the court system, covering civil and criminal courts including an outline of international courts.

Scottish tribunals

Information about Scottish Tribunals that deal with a range of matters outside of the civil court structure and cover hearings and appeals in certain areas of law that are devolved to the Scottish Parliament.