The spelling of the word "outer house" can be confusing due to its similarity with the word "outhouse". However, the two words have completely different meanings. "Outer house" refers to a legal term used in Scotland to describe the outer part of a building or property, while "outhouse" refers to a small building used for storing tools or as a toilet. The correct pronunciation of "outer house" is /ˈaʊtər haʊs/, with the stress on the first syllable "out" and the vowel "a" in "outer" pronounced as in "house".
The term "outer house" refers to a specific legal context within the Scottish legal system. It is primarily used to describe the lower tier of the two courts that constitute the Court of Session, which is the supreme civil court in Scotland. The outer house is located in Parliament House in Edinburgh.
In this context, the outer house is responsible for the initial consideration and determination of civil cases. It has the primary function of examining and resolving legal claims before they progress to the inner house. The outer house is presided over by a single judge, known as a Lord Ordinary, who possesses the authority to make decisions on a wide range of civil matters.
When a civil case is brought before the outer house, the judge reviews the facts, issues, and evidence presented by the parties involved. They then apply relevant legal principles and regulations to reach a decision. The decisions made in the outer house can cover various aspects of civil law, including contract disputes, personal injury claims, property matters, and many others.
Once a ruling is made by the outer house, the case may either conclude or proceed to the inner house for appeal. The outer house serves as an important first step in the legal process of the Court of Session, ensuring that civil disputes are given initial consideration and determination by a qualified judge.
The term "outer house" originates from Scottish legal terminology and has its roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin phrase "extra domum", which means "outside the house". In Scottish law, the "outer house" refers to a lower court or a first instance court. It is used to distinguish it from the "inner house", which is the higher court or appellate court. The terminology is unique to the Scottish legal system and is still in use today.