The Regiam Majestatem is the earliest surviving work giving a comprehensive digest of the Law of Scotland. The name of the document is derived from its first two words. It consists of four books, treating (1) civil actions and jurisdictions, (2) judgments and executions, (3) contracts, and (4) crimes.
The beginning of the preface of the Regiam Majestatem, from which the document gets its name.
Scots law is the legal system of Scotland. It is a hybrid or mixed legal system containing civil law and common law elements, that traces its roots to a number of different historical sources. Together with English law and Northern Irish law, it is one of the three legal systems of the United Kingdom. Scots law recognises four sources of law: legislation, legal precedent, specific academic writings, and custom. Legislation affecting Scotland and Scots law is passed by the Scottish Parliament on all areas of devolved responsibility, and the United Kingdom Parliament on reserved matters. Some legislation passed by the pre-1707 Parliament of Scotland is still also valid.
Parliament House in Old Town, Edinburgh, is home to the Supreme Courts of Scotland.
Sir James Dalrymple, Viscount of Stair
Angela Constance MSP Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs since 2023
The Scottish Parliament located in Edinburgh has devolved powers to legislate for Scotland.
