Lawyers for the five told Dundee Sheriff Court that the case, which is set for trial next week, had several preliminaryissues that had to be dealt with.
Around 20 barristers, representing the defendants, sat in two rows as preliminary legal issues were discussed ahead of a jury being selected for the trial.
She has issued opinions and orders resolving pre-trial disputes in civil cases, written reports and recommendations to district court judges on a variety of issues, conducted preliminary proceedings in criminal cases, and presided over 14 trials with the consent of the parties.