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High Court of Constabulary

High Court of Constabulary
Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom as used by the Courts in Scotland
Established13th century
JurisdictionWithin 4 miles of the official residence of the Monarch, Privy Council, and Parliament of Scotland
Composition methodDeputes appointed by Lord High Constable of Scotland
Lord High Constable of Scotland

The High Court of Constabulary was a court in Scotland presided over by the Lord High Constable of Scotland and other judges known as Constables-depute. The court had exclusive jurisdiction over crimes of rioting, disorder, bloodshed, and murder that took place within 4 miles (6.4 km) of the Monarch of Scotland, Privy Council of Scotland, or the Parliament of Scotland. It was established in the 13th century, and its de jure jurisdiction continued until at least the 19th century. From the 16th century the Constables-depute appear to have been the Lord Provosts, bailies, and Sheriffs of Edinburgh. Following the Treaty of Union of 1707, the Court had jurisdiction when the Monarch of Great Britain, and later the Monarch of the United Kingdom, was resident at the Palace of Holyrood House.