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Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1971

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F1Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1971

1971 CHAPTER 58

An Act to amend the law with respect to sheriff courts in Scotland, and for purposes connected therewith.

F1

Textual Amendments

F1Act (except for ss. 2(3), 3(4)) repealed (S.) (1.4.2015 except for the repeal of ss. 31, 35, 36(2)(3), 36A, 36B, 37, 38, 45, 22.9.2015 for the repeal of ss. 31, 37(1)(b)(2A)(2D), 28.11.2016 for the repeal of ss. 35(2)-(4), 36A, 36B, 37(2B)(2C) and the repeal of specified words in s. 38(b)) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 6(2); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch. (with art. 7); S.S.I. 2015/247, art. 2, sch. (with art. 9); S.S.I. 2016/291, art. 2, sch. (with art. 3(1)(2))

Part IS Constitution, Organisation and Administration

F1 General duty of the Secretary of StateS

F11 Secretary of State to be responsible for organisation and administration of sheriff courts.S

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SheriffdomsS

2 Power of Secretary of State to alter sheriffdoms.S

F1(1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F1(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F1(2A). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F1(2B). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F2(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F1(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F1(5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Act (except for ss. 2(3), 3(4)) repealed (S.) (1.4.2015 except for the repeal of ss. 31, 35, 36(2)(3), 36A, 36B, 37, 38, 45, 22.9.2015 for the repeal of ss. 31, 37(1)(b)(2A)(2D), 28.11.2016 for the repeal of ss. 35(2)-(4), 36A, 36B, 37(2B)(2C) and the repeal of specified words in s. 38(b)) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 6(2); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch. (with art. 7); S.S.I. 2015/247, art. 2, sch. (with art. 9); S.S.I. 2016/291, art. 2, sch. (with art. 3(1)(2))

Sheriff court districts and places where sheriff courts are to be heldS

3 Sheriff court districts and places where sheriff courts are to be held.S

F1(1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F1(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F1(2A). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F1(2B). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F1(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F3(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F1(5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F1(5A). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F1(6). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Act (except for ss. 2(3), 3(4)) repealed (S.) (1.4.2015 except for the repeal of ss. 31, 35, 36(2)(3), 36A, 36B, 37, 38, 45, 22.9.2015 for the repeal of ss. 31, 37(1)(b)(2A)(2D), 28.11.2016 for the repeal of ss. 35(2)-(4), 36A, 36B, 37(2B)(2C) and the repeal of specified words in s. 38(b)) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 6(2); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch. (with art. 7); S.S.I. 2015/247, art. 2, sch. (with art. 9); S.S.I. 2016/291, art. 2, sch. (with art. 3(1)(2))

F1 Sheriffs principal and sheriffsU.K.

F4F54 Offices of sheriff principal and sheriff.U.K.

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Textual Amendments

F4S. 4 repealed (E.W.N.I) (1.4.2015 for specified purposes, 22.9.2015 for specified purposes) by The Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (Consequential Provisions and Modifications) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/700), art. 1(11)(e), Sch. para. 6

F5Act (except for ss. 2(3), 3(4)) repealed (S.) (1.4.2015 except for the repeal of ss. 31, 35, 36(2)(3), 36A, 36B, 37, 38, 45, 22.9.2015 for the repeal of ss. 31, 37(1)(b)(2A)(2D)) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 6(2); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch. (with art. 7); S.S.I. 2015/247, art. 2, sch. (with art. 9)

F15 Qualification for offices of sheriff principal and sheriff.S

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F15ARetiring age for sheriff principal and sheriff.S

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F16 Disqualification of sheriffs principal and sheriffs.S

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F17 Jurisdiction of sheriff.S

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F18 Sheriff may be appointed to assist Secretary of State.S

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F1 Functions of the Secretary of State in relation to sheriffs principal, sheriffs, et ceteralaetc.S

F19 Power of Secretary of State to give administrative directions.S

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F110 Secretary of State may authorise sheriff principal or direct sheriff to act in another sheriffdom.S

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F111 Secretary of State may appoint temporary sheriffs principal and sheriffs.S

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F111A Appointment of part-time sheriffsS

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F111B Limitation, termination etc. of appointment of part-time sheriffsS

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F111C Removal of part-time sheriffs from officeS

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F111D Regulations and orders under sections 11A and 11CS

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F112 Removal from office, and suspension, of sheriff principal or sheriff.S

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F1Consideration of fitness for, and removal from, shrieval officeS

F112ATribunal to consider fitness for shrieval officeS

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F112BSuspension during investigationS

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F112CFurther provision about tribunalsS

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F112DReport of tribunalS

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F112ERemoval from officeS

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F112FInterpretation of sections 12A to 12ES

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F113 Functions of Secretary of State with respect to residence and leave of absence of sheriffs principal.S

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F114 Functions of Secretary of State with respect to number, residence and place of duties of sheriffs.S

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F114ARe-employment of retired sheriffs principal and sheriffsS

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F1 Functions of the sheriff principal in relation to sheriffs, et ceteralaetc.S

F115Efficient disposal of business in sheriff courtsS

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F116 Functions of sheriff principal with respect to duties and leave of absence of sheriffs.S

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F117 Sheriff principal may fix sittings and business of sheriff courts in sheriffdom, and sessions for civil business.S

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F117ALord President's power to exercise functions in sections 15 to 17S

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F118 Secretary of State may exercise certain functions of sheriff principal in certain circumstances.S

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F1 MiscellaneousS

F119 Travelling allowances for sheriffs principal.S

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F120 Extension of purposes for which Lord Advocate may give instructions to procurators fiscal.S

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F121. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .S

F122 Saving for existing functions.S

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F1Part IIS Court houses, buildings and offices

F123 Transfer of court houses to Secretary of State.S

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F124 Provision and maintenance of court houses by Secretary of State.S

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F125 Use of public buildings for holding of courts.S

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F126 Use of court houses by third parties.S

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F127 Compensation for officers and servants.S

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F128 Repeal and amendment of local enactments.S

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F129 Determination of disputes.S

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F130 Interpretation of Part II.S

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Part IIIS Civil jurisdiction, procedure and appeals

F131 Upper limit to privative jurisdiction of sheriff court to be £250.S

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Textual Amendments

F1Act (except for ss. 2(3), 3(4)) repealed (S.) (1.4.2015 except for the repeal of ss. 31, 35, 36(2)(3), 36A, 36B, 37, 38, 45, 22.9.2015 for the repeal of ss. 31, 37(1)(b)(2A)(2D), 28.11.2016 for the repeal of ss. 35(2)-(4), 36A, 36B, 37(2B)(2C) and the repeal of specified words in s. 38(b)) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 6(2); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch. (with art. 7); S.S.I. 2015/247, art. 2, sch. (with art. 9); S.S.I. 2016/291, art. 2, sch. (with art. 3(1)(2))

F1 Regulation of procedure in civil proceedingsS

F132 Power of Court of Session to regulate civil procedure in sheriff court. S

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F132ARules for lay representationS

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F133 Sheriff Court Rules Council.S

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F134 Functions of Sheriff Court Rules Council.S

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Summary causesS

35 Summary causes.S

(1)The definition of “summary cause” contained in paragraph (i) of section 3 of the M1Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1907 shall cease to have effect, and for the purposes of the procedure and practice in civil proceedings in the sheriff court there shall be a form of process, to be known as a “summary cause”, which shall be used for the purposes of all civil proceedings brought in that court, being proceedings of one or other of the following descriptions, namely—

(a)actions for payment of money not exceeding [F6£5000] in amount (exclusive of interest and expenses);

(b)actions of multiplepoinding, actions of furthcoming F7. . . , where the value of the fundin medio, or the value of the arrested fund or subject, F7. . . as the case may be, does not exceed [F8£5000] (exclusive of interest and expenses);

(c)actionsad factum praestandum and actions for the recovery of possession of heritable or moveable property, other than actions in which there is claimed in addition, or as an alternative, to a decreead factum praestandumor for such recovery, as the case may be, a decree for payment of money exceeding [F9£5000] in amount (exclusive of interest and expenses);

(d)proceedings which, according to the law and practice existing immediately before the commencement of this Act, might competently be brought in the sheriff’s small debt court or were required to be conducted and disposed of in the summary manner in which proceedings were conducted and disposed of under the Small Debt Acts;

and any reference in the following provisions of this Act, or in any other enactment (whether passed or made before or after the commencement of this Act) relating to civil procedure in the sheriff court, to a summary cause shall be construed as a reference to a summary cause within the meaning of this subsection.

[F10(1A)For the avoidance of doubt it is hereby declared that nothing in subsection (1) above shall prevent the Court of Session from making different rules of procedure and practice in relation to different descriptions of summary cause proceedings.]

F11(2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F11(3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F11(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F11Act (except for ss. 2(3), 3(4)) repealed (S.) (1.4.2015 except for the repeal of ss. 31, 35, 36(2)(3), 36A, 36B, 37, 38, 45, 22.9.2015 for the repeal of ss. 31, 37(1)(b)(2A)(2D), 28.11.2016 for the repeal of ss. 35(2)-(4), 36A, 36B, 37(2B)(2C) and the repeal of specified words in s. 38(b)) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 6(2); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch. (with art. 7); S.S.I. 2015/247, art. 2, sch. (with art. 9); S.S.I. 2016/291, art. 2, sch. (with art. 3(1)(2))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1S. 35: power to transfer functions conferred (19.5.1999) by S.I. 1999/678, art. 2(1), Sch.

Marginal Citations

36 Procedure in summary causes.S

F1(1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2)A summary cause shall be commenced by a summons in, or as nearly as is practicable in, such form as may be prescribed by rules under the said section 32.

(3)The evidence, if any, given in a summary cause shall not be recorded.

F1(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Act (except for ss. 2(3), 3(4)) repealed (S.) (1.4.2015 except for the repeal of ss. 31, 35, 36(2)(3), 36A, 36B, 37, 38, 45, 22.9.2015 for the repeal of ss. 31, 37(1)(b)(2A)(2D), 28.11.2016 for the repeal of ss. 35(2)-(4), 36A, 36B, 37(2B)(2C) and the repeal of specified words in s. 38(b)) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 6(2); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch. (with art. 7); S.S.I. 2015/247, art. 2, sch. (with art. 9); S.S.I. 2016/291, art. 2, sch. (with art. 3(1)(2))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

F1236A Further provisions as to small claims.S

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Textual Amendments

F12Act (except for ss. 2(3), 3(4)) repealed (S.) (1.4.2015 except for the repeal of ss. 31, 35, 36(2)(3), 36A, 36B, 37, 38, 45, 22.9.2015 for the repeal of ss. 31, 37(1)(b)(2A)(2D), 28.11.2016 for the repeal of ss. 35(2)-(4), 36A, 36B, 37(2B)(2C) and the repeal of specified words in s. 38(b)) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 6(2); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch. (with art. 7); S.S.I. 2015/247, art. 2, sch. (with art. 9); S.S.I. 2016/291, art. 2, sch. (with art. 3(1)(2))

F1336B Expenses in small claims.S

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Textual Amendments

F13Act (except for ss. 2(3), 3(4)) repealed (S.) (1.4.2015 except for the repeal of ss. 31, 35, 36(2)(3), 36A, 36B, 37, 38, 45, 22.9.2015 for the repeal of ss. 31, 37(1)(b)(2A)(2D), 28.11.2016 for the repeal of ss. 35(2)-(4), 36A, 36B, 37(2B)(2C) and the repeal of specified words in s. 38(b)) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 6(2); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch. (with art. 7); S.S.I. 2015/247, art. 2, sch. (with art. 9); S.S.I. 2016/291, art. 2, sch. (with art. 3(1)(2))

37 Remits.S

(1)In the case of any ordinary cause brought in the sheriff court the sheriff [F14

(a)] shall at any stage, on the joint motion of the parties to the cause, direct that the cause be treated as a summary cause, and in that case the cause shall be treated for all purposes (including appeal) as a summary cause and shall proceed accordingly

F1(b) . . . . . .

(2)In the case of any summary cause, the sheriff at any stage—

(a)shall, on the joint motion of the parties to the cause, and

(b)may, on the motion of any of the parties to the cause, if he is of the opinion that the importance or difficulty of the cause makes it appropriate to do so,

direct that the cause be treated as an ordinary cause, and in that case the cause shall be treated for all purposes (including appeal) as an ordinary cause and shall proceed accordingly:

Provided that a direction under this subsection may, in the case of an action for the recovery of possession of heritable or moveable property, be given by the sheriff of his own accord.

F1(2A) . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F1(2B). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F1(2C). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F1(2D). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F15(3)A decision—

(a)to remit, or not to remit, under subsection (2A) [F16 (2B) or (2C)] above; or

(b) to make, or not to make, a direction by virtue of paragraph ( b ) of, or the proviso to, subsection (2) above,

shall not be subject to review; but from a decision to remit, or not to remit, under subsection (1)( b ) above an appeal shall lie to the Court of Session.]

(4)In this section “sheriff” includes a sheriff principal.

Textual Amendments

F1Act (except for ss. 2(3), 3(4)) repealed (S.) (1.4.2015 except for the repeal of ss. 31, 35, 36(2)(3), 36A, 36B, 37, 38, 45, 22.9.2015 for the repeal of ss. 31, 37(1)(b)(2A)(2D), 28.11.2016 for the repeal of ss. 35(2)-(4), 36A, 36B, 37(2B)(2C) and the repeal of specified words in s. 38(b)) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 6(2); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch. (with art. 7); S.S.I. 2015/247, art. 2, sch. (with art. 9); S.S.I. 2016/291, art. 2, sch. (with art. 3(1)(2))

38 Appeal in summary causes. S

In the case of [F17

(a)any summary cause an appeal shall lie to the sheriff principal on any point of law from the final judgment of the sheriff; and

(b)any summary cause F18... an appeal shall lie] to the Court of Session on any point of law from the final judgment of the sheriff principal, if the sheriff principal certifies the cause as suitable for such an appeal,

but save as aforesaid an interlocutor of the sheriff or the sheriff principal in any such cause shall not be subject to review.

Textual Amendments

F18Act (except for ss. 2(3), 3(4)) repealed (S.) (1.4.2015 except for the repeal of ss. 31, 35, 36(2)(3), 36A, 36B, 37, 38, 45, 22.9.2015 for the repeal of ss. 31, 37(1)(b)(2A)(2D), 28.11.2016 for the repeal of ss. 35(2)-(4), 36A, 36B, 37(2B)(2C) and the repeal of specified words in s. 38(b)) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 6(2); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch. (with art. 7); S.S.I. 2015/247, art. 2, sch. (with art. 9); S.S.I. 2016/291, art. 2, sch. (with art. 3(1)(2))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

F1 Miscellaneous and supplementalS

F139. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .S

F140. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .S

F141 Power of Her Majesty to vary limit to privative jurisdiction of sheriff court, etc.S

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F142 Application of provisions regarding jurisdiction and summary causes.S

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Part IVS Miscellaneous and General

F143 Orders, etc.S

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Textual Amendments

F1Act (except for ss. 2(3), 3(4)) repealed (S.) (1.4.2015 except for the repeal of ss. 31, 35, 36(2)(3), 36A, 36B, 37, 38, 45, 22.9.2015 for the repeal of ss. 31, 37(1)(b)(2A)(2D), 28.11.2016 for the repeal of ss. 35(2)-(4), 36A, 36B, 37(2B)(2C) and the repeal of specified words in s. 38(b)) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 6(2); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch. (with art. 7); S.S.I. 2015/247, art. 2, sch. (with art. 9); S.S.I. 2016/291, art. 2, sch. (with art. 3(1)(2))

F144 Expenses.S

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Act (except for ss. 2(3), 3(4)) repealed (S.) (1.4.2015 except for the repeal of ss. 31, 35, 36(2)(3), 36A, 36B, 37, 38, 45, 22.9.2015 for the repeal of ss. 31, 37(1)(b)(2A)(2D), 28.11.2016 for the repeal of ss. 35(2)-(4), 36A, 36B, 37(2B)(2C) and the repeal of specified words in s. 38(b)) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 6(2); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch. (with art. 7); S.S.I. 2015/247, art. 2, sch. (with art. 9); S.S.I. 2016/291, art. 2, sch. (with art. 3(1)(2))

45 Interpretation.S

(1)In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears—

(a)references to a sheriff principal include references to a temporary sheriff principal, and references to the office of sheriff principal include references to an appointment as a temporary sheriff principal;

(b)references to a sheriff include references to a [F19part-time] sheriff and an honorary sheriff, and references to the office of sheriff include references to an appointment as a [F19part-time]sheriff and to the office of honorary sheriff;

(c)references to an honorary sheriff are references to a person holding the office of honorary sheriff in his capacity as such.

(2)In this Act—

(a)enactment” includes an order, regulation, rule or other instrument having effect by virtue of an Act;

(b)any reference to any enactment shall, unless the contrary intention appears, be construed as a reference to that enactment as amended or extended, and as including a reference thereto as applied, by or under any other enactment (including this Act).

(3)Subject to the foregoing provisions of this section and to any other express provision of this Act, expressions used in this Act and in the M2Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1907 shall have the same meanings in this Act as in that Act.

Textual Amendments

F19Words in s. 45(1)(b) substituted (9.8.2000) by 2000 asp 9, s. 12, Sch. para. 1(12)

Marginal Citations

F146 Amendment and repeal of enactments.S

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Act (except for ss. 2(3), 3(4)) repealed (S.) (1.4.2015 except for the repeal of ss. 31, 35, 36(2)(3), 36A, 36B, 37, 38, 45, 22.9.2015 for the repeal of ss. 31, 37(1)(b)(2A)(2D), 28.11.2016 for the repeal of ss. 35(2)-(4), 36A, 36B, 37(2B)(2C) and the repeal of specified words in s. 38(b)) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 6(2); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch. (with art. 7); S.S.I. 2015/247, art. 2, sch. (with art. 9); S.S.I. 2016/291, art. 2, sch. (with art. 3(1)(2))

F147 Short title, commencement and extent.S

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Act (except for ss. 2(3), 3(4)) repealed (S.) (1.4.2015 except for the repeal of ss. 31, 35, 36(2)(3), 36A, 36B, 37, 38, 45, 22.9.2015 for the repeal of ss. 31, 37(1)(b)(2A)(2D), 28.11.2016 for the repeal of ss. 35(2)-(4), 36A, 36B, 37(2B)(2C) and the repeal of specified words in s. 38(b)) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 6(2); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch. (with art. 7); S.S.I. 2015/247, art. 2, sch. (with art. 9); S.S.I. 2016/291, art. 2, sch. (with art. 3(1)(2))

SCHEDULES

Section 46(1).

F1SCHEDULE 1S Minor and Consequential Amendment of Enactments

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Section 46(2).

F1 SCHEDULE 2S Repeal of Enactments

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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