Legal Definitions - Outer House

Definition: The first-instance jurisdiction of the Court of Session in Scots law.

The Court of Session is the supreme Scottish civil court, similar to the English High Court of Justice. It is divided into two parts: the Outer House and the Inner House.

In the Outer House, one judge hears cases of first instance, which means they are the first court to hear the case. The Outer House's jurisdiction is similar to the English High Court of Justice. The Outer House also has two appellate chambers, the First and Second Division, where three-judge panels sit.

For example, if someone wants to sue another person in Scotland, they would start their case in the Outer House of the Court of Session.

The Inner House's jurisdiction is similar to the English Court of Appeal. The Court of Session also has several Lords Ordinary, who sit individually as trial judges.

In a few states, there is also a court called the Outer House that has jurisdiction over criminal cases.