Criminal Proceedings
The procurator fiscal makes an independent decision about whether a case should proceed to court.
A case can only be taken to court if the procurator fiscal believes there is enough evidence that the crime was committed by the accused person. If the accused person pleads 'not guilty', there will be a trial and witnesses will be expected to give their evidence.
When the procurator fiscal or defence lawyer is preparing a criminal case in solemn proceedings, he or she may send you a letter, known as precognition.