Scotland divided into 32 subdivisions, known as local authorities, or councils. Glasgow City is the largest subdivision in Scotland in terms of population, with Highland being the largest in terms of area. Limited self-governing power, covering matters such as education, social services and roads and transportation, is devolved from the Scottish Government to each subdivision. "Scotland" comes from "Scoti", the Latin name for the Gaels. Philip Freeman has speculated on the likelihood of a group of raiders adopting a name from an Indo-European root, *"skot", citing the parallel in Greek "skotos" (σκότος), meaning "darkness, gloom". The Late Latin word "Scotia" ("land
Trial by jury in Scotland then take the oath collectively and swear by "almighty God" without using any religious text. Those who prefer to affirm then do so collectively. Trial by jury in Scotland Trial by jury in Scotland is used in the courts of Scotland in solemn procedure for trial on indictment before a judge and jury of fifteen for serious criminal cases, and in certain civil cases (mainly personal injury claims.) In criminal trials conviction is on the basis of a majority verdict, with eight jurors required to decide that the accused is guilty; should fewer than eight jurors declare a guilty verdict