Complaints
What do I do if I have a complaint?
Judicial complaints
The Judicial Office for Scotland will consider any complaint about the personal conduct of judicial office holders, but cannot deal with complaints about judicial decisions or the way in which cases have been handled. The usual way to challenge a decision is to appeal. If you are considering appealing a judicial decision, we would recommend that you obtain legal advice. You can obtain such advice from a solicitor or the Citizens Advice Bureau.
If you wish to complain about the personal conduct of a judicial office holder whether inside or outside of the court, you should write to:
The Executive Director Judicial Office for Scotland
Judicial Office for Scotland
1A Parliament Square
Edinburgh
EH1 1RQ
or email: judicialofficeforscotland@scotcourts.gov.uk
The rules and guidance above provide more detail, but you should note that your complaint must be in writing and clearly state:
- your name, address and telephone number;
- the name of the judge, or sufficient information to enable the judge to be identified;
- where appropriate, the court, and the date of the hearing; and
- specific details about the grounds of your complaint.
You must include copies of all the documents that you have that you are relying on to support your complaint.
Your complaint should be made as soon as possible and, in any event, no later than 3 months after the incident that you wish to complain about. If your case or appeal is ongoing, your complaint may not be considered until your case is closed but you should still make your complaint in time. The time limit for making a complaint may be extended only in exceptional circumstances.
Service complaints
If you have a complaint regarding the service provided by the Scottish Court Service or a member of its staff or your complaint relates to your role as a juror please visit this page and follow the relevant links.
Complaints about solicitors or advocates
All complaints against legal practitioners should be sent to the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission (SLCC). They act as a gateway or single point of contact and will advise you on what you need to do. For further information visit the Scottish Legal Complaints website.
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