X v Lord Advocate

Subject Matter

CROWN — Liability — Tort or delict — Judicial office holder — Alleged assault and harassment of legal practitioner by sheriff — Whether sheriff in relationship “akin to employment” with Crown for purposes of vicarious liability — Whether open to practitioner to bring claim in delict against Scottish Government as representing Crown — Crown Proceedings Act 1947 (c 44), ss 2(1)(a), 40(2)(b), 43(b)

[2025] UKSC 44; [2026] 2 WLR 43; [2025] WLR(D) 620, SC(Sc)

CROWN — Liability — Tort or delict — Sheriff allegedly assaulting and harassing legal practitioner — Whether Lord Advocate appropriate defender to vicarious liability claim against Crown — Whether Crown vicariously liable for all delicts of its “servants” — Whether sheriff’s relationship with Crown “akin to employment” for purposes of vicarious liability — Crown Proceedings Act 1947 (c 44), ss 2(1)(a), 40(2)(b)

[2025] UKSC 44; [2026] 2 WLR 43; [2025] WLR(D) 620, SC(Sc)

Appellate History