Introduction

The Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland is a tribunal of the Scottish Government to hear applications for, and appeals against, Compulsory Treatment Order, and appeals against Short Term Detention Certificates made under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003, and other matters in relation to that Act, for example, appeals against Compulsion and Restriction Orders.

Refer to Chronology of UK Mental Health Legislation and Mental Health Review Tribunal (England and Wales).

Background

The Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland was established on 05 October 2005, under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.

Its headquarters are located in Hamilton, although it has staff who work throughout Scotland.

The Tribunal discharges its functions through panels of three members: a legal member (who acts as Convener), a medical member and a general member. The judicial arm of the Tribunal is supported in its functions by the staff of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS).

The primary role of the Tribunal is to consider and determine applications for compulsory treatment orders (CTOs) under the 2003 Act and to operate in an appellate role to consider appeals against compulsory measures made under the 2003 Act. The Tribunal also plays a monitoring role by periodic review of compulsory measures.

You can find out more about the Tribunal here.