Rule Making

Civil Court rules

The procedure to be followed in cases heard in the Court of Session and in civil cases in the sheriff courts are set out in court rules. The Court of Session makes these rules in a document known formally as an Act of Sederunt.

New or revised rules might be needed to give effect to primary or secondary legislation, to a court ruling or to improve the procedures followed in court.

One of the functions of the Scottish Civil Justice Council is to assist the Court of Session in making new rules by preparing and submitting draft civil procedure rules for it to consider.

Note - Rules for criminal proceedings (known as Acts of Adjournal) are made by the High Court of Justiciary and are prepared by the Criminal Court Rules Council.

Requesting Rule Changes and Providing Feedback

Information and guidance for any individual or group wishing to submit a proposal for changes to court rules is available here.

Policy teams who are working with primary or subordinate legislation or who are otherwise considering policy which might affect or require rules of court are invited to contact the secretariat at an early stage to discuss potential rule requirements. You should also carefully consider the information and guidance which is provided to assist you in preparing the necessary information to support any potential request for changes to court rules.

The SCJC welcomes feedback on any aspect of court rules. Please email your comments to the Secretariat scjc@scotcourts.gov.uk
 

View the Rules

New civil court rules prepared by the SCJC are listed on the New Rules section of this website.  

Court rules are also published on the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service website and can be accessed using the links below:

Sheriff Court Rules
Sheriff Appeal Court Rules
Court of Session Rules

The SCTS website also provides a list of all new court rules made in the preceding two years.