Jargon buster
Faculty of Advocates
This is the professional body to which all advocates belong.
Fine
A fine is a penalty where money must be paid to the court. The amount is set by the judge. Organisations can also be fined for offences including health and safety breaches.
First diet
This is a date for a case calling in the sheriff court in solemn (more serious) proceedings to determine whether the prosecutor and the defence are ready to go to trial.
First offender
This is a person who is convicted of an offence of any kind for the first time.