Which court in Scotland handles the most serious cases?

Okay, let's break down the Scottish court system to understand why the High Court handles the most serious cases. Think of it as a hierarchy. At the bottom, you have the Justice of the Peace Courts, which deal with minor offenses, similar to traffic violations or very petty crimes. Then comes the Sheriff Court, which is a step up. Sheriff Courts handle a broader range of cases, including more serious crimes and civil disputes. Now, the High Court is at the top of the criminal court structure in Scotland. It deals with the most serious crimes, like murder, rape, and armed robbery. These are cases that carry the most severe penalties, including life imprisonment. The Crown Court, while a major court in England and Wales, doesn't exist in Scotland; it's part of a different legal system. So, when you think of the most serious crimes in Scotland, think of the High Court as the place where those cases are tried.