Certification

Certification, in the law of Scotland, signifies the judicial assurance given to a party of the course to be followed by the judge in case he disobeys the will of a summons, or other writ or order of the court. Reiterated contumacy on the part of the defender was at one time punished with confiscation of his property (1449, chap. 29), but now certification merely means that if he fails to appear in the usual manner, the judge will decern, or pronounce judgment against him.