Commentary on Sections The Principal Reporter Section 19 – Rights of audience
21.This section gives the Scottish Ministers the power to make regulations to empower the Principal Reporter to conduct any proceedings before the sheriff or sheriff principal in relation to the Children’s Hearings system despite not being a solicitor or advocate. This authorisation will also extend to persons to whom functions of the Principal Reporter have been delegated under paragraph 10 of schedule 3 (a “reporter”). Ministers may also prescribe any qualification, training or experience that must be undertaken by the Principal Reporter (and other reporters exercising the Principal Reporter’s functions) before conducting such court proceedings.