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procurator-fiscal

Scottish official

Quick Summary

A procurator fiscal is a public prosecutor in Scotland responsible for bringing criminal cases to justice on behalf of the state. They operate within Scotland's distinct legal system, which is based on Roman law. Procurator fiscals make the decision on whether to prosecute in sheriff courts, which handle most criminal offenses. This role is similar to that of a prosecutor in other jurisdictions, who is charged with prosecuting defendants in criminal cases. The procurator fiscal system is a part of Scotland's judicial administration.123

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