The Home Secretary can also send a case back to the Court of Appeal if fresh evidence emerges after a conviction has been made. Criminal cases are tried in district courts, sheriff courts and the High Court of Justiciary. The main civil courts are the sheriff courts and the Court of Session. The Secretary of State for Scotland recommends the appointment of all judges other than the most senior ones. He or she also appoints the staff of the High Court of Justiciary and the Court of Session, and is responsible for the composition, staffing and organisation of the sheriff courts.
District courts are staffed and administered by the district and islands local authorities.
The legal system of Northern Ireland is in many respects similar to that of England and Wales. A number of arrangements differ from those in England and Wales. A major example is that those accused of terrorist-type offences are tried in nonjury courts to avoid any intimidation of jurors. Tribunals Tribunals are a specialised group of judicial bodies, akin to courts of law. They are normally set up under statutory powers which also govern their constitution, functions and procedure.