Legal Definitions - Court of Session

The Court of Session is the highest civil court in Scotland. It has the same jurisdiction as the English High Court of Justice.

The Court of Session is divided into two parts: Outer House and Inner House.

• Outer House: One judge hears cases of first instance. The Outer House has two appellate chambers, the First and Second Division, in which three-judge panels sit.
• Inner House: The Inner House's jurisdiction corresponds generally to the English Court of Appeal.

The Court of Session also has several Lords Ordinary, who sit individually as trial judges.

A person in Scotland wants to sue their neighbor for damages to their property. They would file a case in the Court of Session's Outer House. If they are not satisfied with the decision, they can appeal to the Inner House.

In a few states in the United States, the Court of Session also refers to a court with jurisdiction over criminal cases.