Jargon buster

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Law Society of Scotland

This organisation is the professional governing body for Scottish solicitors. 

Legislation

Scottish legislation is made up of the laws passed by the Scottish Parliament and by the UK Parliament.

Licence

Offenders 'released on licence' are let out of prison into the community on certain conditions - which means they must follow certain rules. Being on licence means they are still serving a prison sentence but can live in the community instead of being in prison. While on licence, they must follow rules, for example, staying at home at night. If they break any of the rules, they will go back to prison (be recalled). 

Life sentence

This sentence lasts for the rest of a person’s life. Offenders given a life sentence will serve a period in prison or detention set by the judge. They will then only be released into the community on licence if the Parole Board thinks they are not a risk to the public. On licence means under certain conditions. However, offenders can be recalled to prison at any time if they break, or are at risk of breaking, the terms of their licence. 

Long-term determinate sentence

This is a custodial sentence of four years or more. 

Lord Advocate

The Lord Advocate is the senior law officer responsible for the prosecution of crime in Scotland, and is the principal legal adviser to the Scottish Government. He or she also has responsibility for the investigation of deaths.  

Lord Justice Clerk

The Lord Justice Clerk is the second most senior judge in Scotland with particular responsibility for criminal law. The Lord Justice Clerk is also Chair of the Scottish Sentencing Council. 

Lord Justice General

The Lord Justice General is head of the High Court of Justiciary and the most senior criminal judge in Scotland. Under a different title, he or she is also the Lord President of the Court of Session and the most senior civil judge in Scotland.

 

 

Lord President

The Lord President is the head of the Court of Session, the most senior civil judge in Scotland, and the head of the judiciary (judges). Under a different title, he or she is also the Lord Justice General of the High Court of justiciary and the most senior criminal judge in Scotland.

Originally published on 20 July 2015. Updated on 15 April 2026.