Justice of the Peace Courts
Justice of the Peace Courts
The Justice of the Peace replaced the District Courts in 2009. Justices of the Peace are legally qualified lay magistrates, however if unqualified then a legally qualified clerk will sit with the Justice.
Justices of the Peace have the powers to impose a maximum imprisonment sentence of 60 days or a fine not exceeding £2,500.
In Glasgow a legally qualified Stipendiary Magistrate can preside, they carry the same powers as a Sheriff in Summary Procedure in that they have the power to impose a maximum imprisonment of 12 months or a fine not exceeding £10,000.
A convicted person can appeal from the Justice of the Peace to the High Court of Justiciary.
Common Crimes heard by a Justice include: