Principal Clerk of Session and Justiciary

"Clerk of Session" redirects here. For another use, see Session Clerk.
Principal Clerk of Session and Justiciary
Incumbent
Pam McFarlane
since August 2020
Member ofScottish Courts and Tribunals Service
AppointerLord President of the Court of Session
Formation1532; 492 years ago (1532)
DeputyDeputy Principal Clerk of Session
Deputy Principal Clerk of Justiciary
WebsiteDirector and Principal Clerk of Session and Justiciary
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The Principal Clerk of Session and Justiciary is the clerk of court responsible for the administration of the Supreme Courts of Scotland and their associated staff.[1] The Keeper of the Signet grants a commission to the Principal Clerk of Session to allow His Majesty's Signet to be used.

Gillian Prentice was the first woman to hold the post.[citation needed] The Principal Clerk as of February 2024 is Yvonne Taylor.[2]

The modern office unites the originally separate offices of Principal Clerk of Session (of the Court of Session) and Principal Clerk of Justiciary (of the High Court of Justiciary).

The Crown Agent takes directions from the Principal Clerk of Justiciary when arranging sittings of the High Court of Justiciary.[citation needed]

  1. ^ "Scottish Court Service An Introduction" (PDF). Scottish Court Service. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 July 2011. Retrieved 26 May 2012. The Supreme Courts are made up of: the Court of Session, the High Court of Justiciary and the Accountant of Court's Office. The Principal Clerk of Session and Justiciary is responsible for the administration of these areas
  2. ^ "Director and Principal Clerk of Session and Justiciary". www.scotcourts.gov.uk. Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service. Retrieved 4 April 2017.