Legal Definitions - depute

Definition: In Scots law, a depute is a person who is appointed to act in an official capacity or as another official's representative.

Example: The sheriff depute presided over the court proceedings in the absence of the sheriff.

Explanation: In this example, the depute is acting as a representative of the sheriff, who is the official in charge of the court. The depute is appointed to carry out the duties of the sheriff in their absence.

Example: The depute head teacher took charge of the school in the absence of the head teacher.

Explanation: In this example, the depute is acting as a representative of the head teacher, who is the official in charge of the school. The depute is appointed to carry out the duties of the head teacher in their absence.