The Act Commentary Miscellaneous and general Section 33 – Power to provide for lay representation in sequestration proceedings
101.Section 33 inserts a new paragraph (m) into section 32(1) of the Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1971 (which deals with the regulation of civil procedure in the sheriff courts). This new paragraph gives power to the Court of Session by Act of Sederunt (that is to say court rules) to permit a debtor to be represented by a person who is not a qualified advocate or solicitor at the hearing where the sheriff decides whether or not to award sequestration following a petition by the creditor (see section 12 of the 1985 Act). The Act of Sederunt may specify particular circumstances where a debtor can be represented by a non-lawyer at such hearings (for example, the debtor may have to satisfy particular criteria).