New rules on the use of so-called ‘McKenzie Friends’ in Scotland’s sheriff courts came into force on 1 January 2011 to the welcome of such organisations as Consumer Focus Scotland following lengthy campaigning for reform of the country’s civil justice system.
Essentially, a McKenzie Friend is a non-legally qualified individual whom a party to a court case may bring to court with him/her to assist in the conduct of litigation. The name comes from an English divorce case, McKenzie —v— McKenzie. The idea is that if a party may bring a friendly, knowledgeable helper to court, then …