lord advocate

Scottish law officer

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

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The Lord Advocate is the chief law officer of the crown in Scotland. This role is primarily responsible for representing the Scottish government in court cases and serves as Scotland's public prosecutor. While the Lord Advocate holds these significant responsibilities, they often delegate the prosecution of criminal matters to the solicitor general and advocates-depute. The legal system in Scotland is distinct, drawing from Roman law, and is administered through various courts, including sheriff courts and the High Court of Justiciary for more serious offenses.123

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Scotland
Justice
The lord advocate and the solicitor general for Scotland are the Scottish Executive’s law officers, charged with representing the Scottish government in court cases. The lord advocate also serves as Scotland’s public prosecutor. Both are appointed by the British monarch on the recommendation of the first…
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The lord advocate and the solicitor general for Scotland are the Scottish Executive’s law officers, charged with representing the Scottish government in court cases. The lord advocate also serves as Scotland’s public prosecutor. Both are appointed by the British monarch on the recommendation of the first…
Read More