Judge or sheriff

As a judge or sheriff, you'll oversee a court. You'll make sure people accused of breaking the law are treated fairly in legal cases. It's also your responsibility to make judgements and give sentences based on evidence and the law.

There are several types of court in Scotland. You'll have a unique role and deal with different cases, depending on which court you work in.

Justice of the Peace (JP) or Stipendiary Magistrate. You'll sit in the Justice of the Peace Courts and deal with crimes like speeding, vandalism and assault.

Sheriff or Sheriff Principal. You'll sit in Sheriff Courts and deal with more serious cases such as dangerous driving, serious assault, theft and some civil disputes. In this position, you may also carry out Fatal Accident Inquiries into sudden or suspicious deaths.

Judges. You'll hear civil cases in the Court of Session. For example, you may deal with disputes around family law, contract and commercial law or appeals regarding civil law cases.

Your decisions will make a huge impact on people's lives. So, you have a responsibility to make sure the accused gets a fair trial – and that justice is served.

You may hear a case alone or alongside other judges. You'll then step away to consider the arguments or evidence and make a judgement. Back in court, you'll explain why you reached your conclusion.

If there's a jury in the court, you'll accept their decision. Should the jury find the accused guilty, you'll decide on a sentence within the limits of the law.

A case can last less than an hour, a few weeks or several months! Judges sometimes do other types of work, such as leading investigations into important public issues.

Your tasks might include:

• reading background papers about a case

• overseeing the conduct of the case according to the law

• keeping order in the courtroom

• making sure that cases run smoothly

• explaining legal issues to the jury, if there is one

• giving rulings on legal issues as the two sides present their evidence for and against the accused

• Law Society of Scotland – explore the professional body for solicitors in Scotland

• Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service (PDF) – find out more about working as a sheriff