Which court in Scotland hears the most serious criminal cases?

The High Court is the court that hears the most serious criminal cases in Scotland. It has the jurisdiction to deal with significant offences, such as murder, rape, and other serious crimes that require a higher level of legal scrutiny. The High Court typically conducts trials with a judge and a jury, providing a rigorous legal framework for serious allegations.

In contrast, the District Court primarily deals with less serious criminal matters and can impose shorter sentences. The Crown Court, while significant in England and Wales, does not apply in Scotland as the structure of the court system differs. Lastly, Session Court could refer to various contexts, but it does not pertain specifically to criminal cases in Scotland; hence, it does not play a role in the most serious criminal trials compared to the High Court. Thus, the High Court stands out as the appropriate venue for hearing the most severe criminal cases.