Private International Law is the law which regulates which courts should take charge, which law should apply and whether judgements should be recognised and enforced across borders in cases with an international dimension.
It also includes mechanisms for co-operation and exchange of information between governments and courts in different countries, where these are designed to support mutual recognition of each other's laws and judgements.
Some Private International Law is made by the EU, and this is a growing area of work. Some comes from other international organisations such as the Hague Conference and the Council of Europe.
There are various private international law treaties in Scotland. These cover abduction of children by family members, maintenance payments and the service of court documents and taking of evidence in cases with a foreign dimension.
The Scottish Government also takes part in the European Civil Judicial Network, which helps EU member countries exchange information about each other's civil legal systems.