Legal Definitions - advocate-depute

Definition: In Scots law, an advocate-depute is one of the advocates appointed by the Lord Advocate to prosecute criminal cases in his or her name.

Example: When a serious crime is committed in Scotland, the Lord Advocate may appoint an advocate-depute to lead the prosecution. The advocate-depute will work closely with the police and other legal professionals to build a case against the accused.

Explanation: An advocate-depute is a type of lawyer who works for the government in Scotland. They are responsible for prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the Lord Advocate, who is the chief legal officer in Scotland. The advocate-depute will work with the police and other legal professionals to gather evidence and build a case against the accused. They will then present this case in court and argue for the accused to be found guilty.