A Practical Guide to Conducting a Sheriff Court Proof

This book is a practical guide to conducting a proof in the sheriff court, based on the author’s thirty years of experience of presenting evidence at proofs and hearings in the sheriff court, the Court of Session and before tribunals.

The guide highlights the importance of risk management in an area of law that is fraught with hazards concerning costs, timescales and adverse outcomes. It also identifies many useful steps that ought to be taken with a view to minimising such hazards and making the process of conducting a proof as smooth and as painless as possible. Although the book is aimed primarily at practitioners it describes the practical application of the law of evidence, an area which will interest academics and students. The guide deals with managing clients, advice on preparation and how best to cover your back in this perilous area of practice. Although reference is made to court rules and textbooks the book is first and foremost a practice guide.