Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007

Part 4 S JP courts and JPs

Establishing JP courts etc. S

59 Establishing JP courts S

(1) F1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) The Scottish Ministers may[F2 , following submission of a proposal under subsection (7),] by order establish courts of summary criminal jurisdiction to be known as justice of the peace courts.

(3) JP courts are to be established by reference to a particular sheriff court district.

(4) There is to be at least one JP court located in every sheriff court district except where, in relation to a district, the [F3 Lord President of the Court of Session determines] that a JP court is not necessary.

(5) In determining for the purposes of subsection (4) whether a JP court is necessary, the [F4 Lord President] must have regard to—

(a) the amount of summary criminal court business in the district, and

(b) the capacity of—

(i) other JP courts in the same sheriffdom,

(ii) the sheriff courts in that sheriffdom.

(6) The Scottish Ministers may[F5 , following submission of a proposal under subsection (7),] by order provide for—

(a) the relocation of a JP court,

(b) the disestablishment of a JP court.

[F6 (7) The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service may, with the agreement of the Lord President, submit a proposal to the Scottish Ministers for the making of an order under subsection (2) or (6).

(7A) Before submitting a proposal to the Scottish Ministers, the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service must consult such persons as it considers appropriate.

(7B) If, following submission of a proposal, the Scottish Ministers decide to make an order, they must have regard to the proposal in deciding what provision to make in the order.

(7C) The Scottish Ministers may make an order under subsection (2) or (6) only with the consent of—

(a) the Lord President, and

(b) the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service.]

(8) This section—

(a) F7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) does not affect the operation of the sheriff court.

(9) In this Part—

• a “district court”is a court of that name established under the 1975 Act,

• a “JP court”is a justice of the peace court,

• a “JP”is a justice of the peace.

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 59(1) repealed (1.4.2010) by Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008 (asp 6), ss. 57(2)(a), 76; S.S.I. 2010/39, art. 2, Sch.

F2 Words in s. 59(2) inserted (1.4.2015) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), ss. 127(2), 138(2); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch.

F3 Words in s. 59(4) substituted (1.4.2010) by Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008 (asp 6), ss. 57(2)(b), 76; S.S.I. 2010/39, art. 2, Sch.

F4 Words in s. 59(5) substituted (1.4.2010) by Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008 (asp 6), ss. 57(2)(c), 76; S.S.I. 2010/39, art. 2, Sch.

F5 Words in s. 59(6) inserted (1.4.2015) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), ss. 127(2), 138(2); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch.

F6 S. 59(7)-(7C) substituted for s. 59(7)(7A) (1.4.2015) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), ss. 127(3), 138(2); S.S.I. 2015/77, art. 2(2)(3), sch.

F7 S. 59(8)(a) and following word repealed (1.4.2010) by Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008 (asp 6), ss. 73, 76, Sch. 5 para. 5(3)(a); S.S.I. 2010/39, art. 2, Sch.

Commencement Information

I1 S. 59 wholly in force at 22.2.2010; s. 59 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 84; s. 59 in force for certain purposes at 10.12.2007, 10.3.2008, 2.6.2008, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009, 14.12.2009 and 22.2.2010 otherwise by S.S.I. 2007/479, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3(1)(2), Sch. 1, Sch. 2

60 Making provision for JP courts S

F8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F8 S. 60 repealed (1.4.2010) by Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008 (asp 6), ss. 73, 76, Sch. 5 para. 5(3)(b); S.S.I. 2010/39, art. 2, Sch.

[F9 61 Efficient disposal of business in JP courts S

(1) The sheriff principal of each sheriffdom is responsible for securing the efficient disposal of business in JP courts in that sheriffdom.

(2) If, in carrying out that responsibility, the sheriff principal gives a direction of an administrative character to a person mentioned in subsection (3), the person must comply with the direction.

(3) Those persons are—

(a) a justice of the peace, or [F10 summary sheriff], appointed for the sheriffdom,

(b) a member of staff of the Scottish Court Service.

(4) Subsections (1) and (2) are subject to section 2(2)(a) and (3) of the Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008 (asp 6) (which make the Head of the Scottish Judiciary responsible for maintaining arrangements for securing the efficient disposal of business in the Scottish courts and require compliance with directions given in pursuance of that responsibility).]

Textual Amendments

F9 S. 61 substituted (1.4.2010) by Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008 (asp 6), ss. 58(2), 76; S.S.I. 2010/39, art. 2, Sch.

F10 Words in s. 61(3)(a) substituted (1.4.2016) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 40(2); S.S.I. 2016/13, art. 2, sch.

62 Area and territorial jurisdiction of JP courts S

(1) A JP court has territorial jurisdiction in respect of offences committed within—

(a) the sheriff court district in which it is located, and

(b) any other district in the same sheriffdom.

(2) Without prejudice to subsection (1)(b), it is competent for proceedings for an offence committed in one district in a sheriffdom to be taken in a JP court in any other district in the sheriffdom.

(3) Sections 9 and 10 of the 1995 Act include further provision in relation to the territorial jurisdiction of JP courts.

(4) A JP F11 ... may exercise the judicial functions of office at any place within the sheriffdom for which the JP F12 ... is appointed.

(5) It is also competent (in the exercise of judicial functions) for a JP F13 ... to sign, at any other place in Scotland, any—

(a) warrant, judgment or interlocutor, or

(b) other document,

relating to criminal proceedings within that sheriffdom.

(6) A JP F14 ... may exercise signing functions at any place in Scotland.

(7) The competence of a JP F15 ... under subsections (4) and (5) extends to competence to—

(a) exercise the functions mentioned in those subsections for the purposes of any remaining district court for an area wholly or partly within the sheriffdom for which the JP F16 ... is appointed, and

(b) do so at any place within the area of that district court.

(8) Any reference in this Act, the 1995 Act or any other enactment to the area of a JP court means the sheriff court district in which it is located.

Textual Amendments

F11 Words in s. 62(4) repealed (1.4.2016) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 40(3)(a); S.S.I. 2016/13, art. 2, sch.

F12 Words in s. 62(4) repealed (1.4.2016) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 40(3)(b); S.S.I. 2016/13, art. 2, sch.

F13 Words in s. 62(5) repealed (1.4.2016) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 40(3)(a); S.S.I. 2016/13, art. 2, sch.

F14 Words in s. 62(6) repealed (1.4.2016) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 40(3)(a); S.S.I. 2016/13, art. 2, sch.

F15 Words in s. 62(7) repealed (1.4.2016) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 40(3)(a); S.S.I. 2016/13, art. 2, sch.

F16 Words in s. 62(7)(a) repealed (1.4.2016) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 40(3)(c); S.S.I. 2016/13, art. 2, sch.

Commencement Information

I2 S. 62 wholly in force at 22.2.2010; s. 62 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 84; s. 62 partly in force at 10.12.2007, 10.3.2008, 2.6.2008, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009, 14.12.2009 and 22.2.2010 otherwise by S.S.I. 2007/479, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3(1)(2), Sch. 1, Sch. 2

63 Constitution and powers etc. of JP courts S

(1) A JP court has competence, subject to sections 6 and 7 of the 1995 Act (which include provision as to the constitution and powers of JP courts), as respects summary proceedings for offences.

(2) The Scottish Ministers may by order amend section 6(2) of the 1995 Act so that it provides that a JP court (when not constituted by a [F17 summary sheriff]) is to be constituted by one JP only.

[F18 (2A) The Scottish Ministers may make an order under subsection (2) only on the recommendation of the Lord President of the Court of Session.]

(3) Each JP court is to have a clerk of the court.

(4) The clerk of a JP court is to be a solicitor or advocate.

(5) The clerk of a JP court—

(a) except on occasions when a [F19 summary sheriff] presides, is to act as legal adviser to the court, and

(b) has such other functions as the [F20 Lord President] may confer.

(6) F21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F17 Words in s. 63(2) substituted (1.4.2016) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 40(4); S.S.I. 2016/13, art. 2, sch.

F18 S. 63(2A) inserted (1.4.2010) by Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008 (asp 6), ss. 57(3)(a), 76; S.S.I. 2010/39, art. 2, Sch.

F19 Words in s. 63(5)(a) substituted (1.4.2016) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 40(4); S.S.I. 2016/13, art. 2, sch.

F20 Words in s. 63(5)(b) substituted (1.4.2010) by Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008 (asp 6), ss. 57(3)(b), 76; S.S.I. 2010/39, art. 2, Sch.

F21 S. 63(6) repealed (1.4.2010) by Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008 (asp 6), ss. 73, 76, Sch. 5 para. 5(3)(c); S.S.I. 2010/39, art. 2, Sch.

Commencement Information

I3 S. 63 partly in force; s. 63 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 84; s. 63(1)(3)-(6) in force at 10.3.2008 by S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.

64 Abolition of district courts S

(1) For the purpose mentioned in subsection (2), the Scottish Ministers may by order—

(a) provide for any district court to be disestablished,

(b) impose, in relation to the disestablishment, specific requirements on the local authority responsible for the court.

(2) The purpose is that, by the end of a period determined by the Scottish Ministers, the district courts (taken as a whole) cease to exist.

(3) Before making an order under subsection (1), the Scottish Ministers must consult—

(a) the sheriff principal for the sheriffdom in which the district court is located, and

(b) the local authority responsible for the court.

(4) The Scottish Ministers may by order repeal any or all of the provisions of the 1975 Act to such extent as they consider to be appropriate for the purposes of or in connection with the provisions of this Part.

(5) The Scottish Ministers may by order provide for the application for the purpose of the operation of any remaining district courts of any provisions of the 1995 Act, or any other enactment, which refer to JP courts.

(6) The provisions of—

(a) the 1975 Act for the time being in force,

(b) the 1995 Act, or any other enactment, so far as applying in relation to any remaining district courts,

have effect with or subject to such modifications as the Scottish Ministers may by order make for the purpose of the operation of any remaining district courts.

(7) Any function of any remaining district court (including as referable to jurisdiction or powers) exercisable by virtue of—

(a) a provision of the 1975 Act (including as modified under subsection (6)(a) or as affected by repeal by or under this Act),

(b) a provision of the 1995 Act (including as applied under subsection (5), as modified under subsection (6)(b) or as affected by repeal by or under this Act),

(c) a provision of any other enactment (including as modified under subsection (6)(b) or as affected by repeal by or under this Act),

is subject to such provision as the Scottish Ministers may by order make for the purpose of the operation of any remaining district courts.

(8) Any function of a local authority under a provision of the 1975 Act for the time being in force (including as modified under subsection (6)(a)) is subject to any requirements imposed under subsection (1)(b).

65 Transfer of staff and property S

(1) An order under section 64(1) may include provision by reference to a scheme made (or to be made) under subsection (2).

(2) The Scottish Ministers must make a scheme for the transfer to the employment of the Scottish Administration of clerks, assessors and other staff of the district court to which the order applies.

(3) A scheme under subsection (2) may apply to—

(a) all, or any description of, staff,

(b) an individual member of staff.

(4) The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/246) apply to any transfer of staff by virtue of a scheme made under subsection (2) whether or not they would apply apart from this subsection.

(5) An order under section 64(1) may include provision for the transfer to, and vesting in, the Scottish Ministers of—

(a) property (including rights)—

(i) of the local authority responsible for the district court to which the order applies, and

(ii) which is used (or exercised) for the time being for or in connection with the operation or administration of that district court,

(b) liabilities of that local authority deriving from the operation or administration of that district court.

(6) Provision—

(a) in a scheme under subsection (2),

(b) under subsection (5),

may specify the extent to which the transfer is (or is to be) made.

(7) Subsection (5) has effect despite any provision (of whatever nature) which would otherwise prevent, penalise or restrict the transfer of the property or liabilities to which it relates.

(8) A certificate issued by the Scottish Ministers that any property or liability has (or has not) been transferred under subsection (5) is conclusive evidence of that matter.

66 Transitional arrangements for proceedings S

(1) Where a district court is disestablished by virtue of section 64(1)—

(a) any proceedings which were instituted in the district court, but which have not been completed when it is disestablished, continue in the appointed JP court as if instituted there,

(b) the cases involved are to be heard and disposed of as if the appointed JP court always had jurisdiction for the proceedings, and

(c) any relevant—

(i) verdict, sentence, order or other determination, and

(ii) complaint, notice, citation, warrant or other document,

has effect accordingly.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the clerk of the district court must transfer to the clerk of the appointed JP court such records, productions and other documents relating to the proceedings as are in the district court clerk's possession.

(3) Further, the clerk of the district court must transfer to the clerk of the appointed JP court such records, productions and other documents relating to recent proceedings as are in the district court clerk's possession.

(4) For the purposes of subsection (3), proceedings are recent if they were completed not more than 5 years before the date on which the relevant district court is disestablished.

(5) The sheriff principal for the sheriffdom in which a district court is located may determine which is the appointed JP court for the purposes of the application of this section in relation to that district court.

(6) Before making a determination under subsection (5) which would have the effect of transferring proceedings to another sheriffdom, the sheriff principal must consult the sheriff principal for that other sheriffdom.

Appointment of JPs etc. S

67 Appointment of JPs S

(1) Justices of the peace are to be appointed by name on behalf of and in the name of Her Majesty by instrument under the hand of the Scottish Ministers.

(2) A JP is to be appointed for a sheriffdom.

(3) An appointment of a JP is to be for a term of 5 years.

(4) However, a JP—

(a) may resign from office by giving notice to the Scottish Ministers,

[F22 (b) ceases to hold office when the JP retires from office.]

(5) In making appointments of JPs, except—

(a) appointments under subsection (7)(b),

(b) reappointments under section 70(2),

the Scottish Ministers must comply with such provision as to procedure and consultation as they may by order make.

(6) Provision in an order under subsection (5) may, in particular, relate to—

(a) the participation in the appointments process of persons who are not—

(i) legally qualified,

(ii) involved in the administration of the law or of government,

(b) the manner in which vacancies in office are publicised.

(7) A person who, on the coming into force of this section, holds the office of justice of the peace under the 1975 Act—

(a) ceases to hold that office under that Act on such day as the Scottish Ministers may by order specify for the purpose of this subsection, and

(b) is, on the day so specified, to be appointed as a JP under subsection (1) unless the person declines the appointment.

(8) Subsection (7)(b) applies only in relation to the full justices (within the meaning given by section 9 of the 1975 Act) whose names were included in a duty rota of justices (that is, such a rota as approved under section 16(1)(b) of that Act) for any time during the 12 months ending on the day specified as mentioned in that subsection.

[F23 (9) Where a person is, by virtue of subsection (7)(b), appointed as a JP under subsection (1), an oath previously taken by the person as required by section 6 of the Promissory Oaths Act 1868 (c. 72) (and in accordance with Promissory Oaths Act 1871 (c. 48)) in relation to the holding by the person of the office of justice of the peace under the 1975 Act also counts in relation to the person's appointment as a JP under subsection (1).]

Textual Amendments

F22 S. 67(4)(b) substituted (30.5.2014) by The Judicial Pensions and Retirement Act 1993 (Part-time Sheriff, Stipendiary Magistrate and Justice of the Peace) Order 2014 (S.S.I. 2014/155), arts. 1(2), 4(2)

F23 S. 67(9) added (10.12.2007) by The Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (Incidental, Supplemental and Consequential Provisions) Order 2007 (S.S.I. 2007/540), art. 5

Commencement Information

I4 S. 67 wholly in force at 10.12.2007; s. 67 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 84; s. 67(5)(6) in force at 23.4.2007 by S.S.I. 2007/250, art. 3; s. 67(1)-(4)(7)(8) in force at 10.12.2007 by S.S.I. 2007/479, art. 3, Sch.

68 Conditions of office S

(1) A person is not to be appointed as a JP for a sheriffdom, except where eligible for reappointment under section 70(1)(a), unless the person ordinarily resides in the sheriffdom or within 15 miles of it.

(2) Appointments of JPs are to be made subject to conditions which—

(a) by reference to the JP court business (and business to which signing functions relate) in the sheriffdom, relate to availability to exercise judicial (and signing) functions commensurate to that business,

(b) by reference to an order made under section 69, relate to training and appraisal.

(3) For the purpose of subsection (2)(a)—

(a) the JP court (or signing) business,

(b) any need for availability to exercise judicial (or signing) functions in connection with that business,

means the likely amount as assessed by the sheriff principal.

(4) The Scottish Ministers are, in accordance with a scheme devised by them, to pay allowances to JPs.

(5) A scheme under subsection (4) may, in particular—

(a) by reference to functions, specify rates or amounts of allowances,

(b) specify circumstances in which—

(i) allowances are not payable,

(ii) a rate or amount of allowances payable is reduced,

(c) provide for procedure for claiming and paying allowances.

Commencement Information

I5 S. 68 wholly in force at 22.2.2010; s. 68 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 84; s. 68(1)-(3) in force at 10.12.2007 by S.S.I. 2007/479, art. 3, Sch.; s. 68(4)(5) in force for certain purposes at 10.3.2008, 2.6.2008, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009, 14.12.2009 and 22.2.2010 otherwise by S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3(1)(2), Sch. 1, Sch. 2

69 Training and appraisal of JPs S

(1) The [F24 Lord President of the Court of Session] may by order make provision as to—

(a) training arrangements for JPs and future JPs, and

(b) appraisal of JPs.

(2) F25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) An order under subsection (1) may, in particular, establish committees to—

(a) secure— adopt or develop suitable—

(i) training schemes or courses of instruction,

(ii) appraisal systems,

(b) (i) the provision of such schemes or courses,

(ii) the application of such systems,

(c) provide advice about training and appraisal.

(4) F25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F24 Words in s. 69(1) substituted (1.4.2010) by Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008 (asp 6), ss. 42(2), 76; S.S.I. 2010/39, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 5)

F25 S. 69(2)(4) repealed (1.4.2010) by Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008 (asp 6), ss. 42(3), 76; S.S.I. 2010/39, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 5)

70 Reappointment of JPs S

(1) A person—

(a) whose 5-year term of appointment as a JP has expired, or

(b) who has resigned from office as a JP,

is eligible for reappointment.

(2) And a person who is eligible under subsection (1)(a) is to be reappointed except where—

(a) the person declines the reappointment,

F26 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c) the person is disqualified under section 73,

(d) the sheriff principal for the sheriffdom for which the person was appointed as a JP makes a recommendation to the Scottish Ministers against the reappointment.

(3) A recommendation for the purpose of subsection (2)(d) may be made—

(a) on the ground that the JP has inadequately performed the functions of a JP,

(b) on the ground that the JP has, without good reason, failed to meet a condition imposed under section 68(2),

(c) on the ground that the JP does not ordinarily reside in the sheriffdom of appointment or within 15 miles of it,

(d) on such other ground as the sheriff principal considers relevant.

[F27 (4) Where a person is reappointed as a JP under subsections (1)(a) and (2) (including on a second or subsequent occasion), an oath–

(a) previously taken by the person as required by section 6 of the Promissory Oaths Act 1868 (and in accordance with the Promissory Oaths Act 1871) in relation to the person's appointment as a JP under subsection (1) of section 67, or

(b) which by virtue of subsection (9) of section 67 counts in relation to the person's appointment as a JP under subsection (1) of that section,

also counts in relation to the person's reappointment as a JP by virtue of subsections (1)(a) and (2).]

Textual Amendments

F26 S. 70(2)(b) repealed (30.5.2014) by The Judicial Pensions and Retirement Act 1993 (Part-time Sheriff, Stipendiary Magistrate and Justice of the Peace) Order 2014 (S.S.I. 2014/155), arts. 1(2), 4(3)

F27 S. 70(4) added (10.12.2007) by The Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (Incidental, Supplemental and Consequential Provisions) Order 2007 (S.S.I. 2007/540), art. 6

71 Removal of JPs S

(1) A JP may be removed from office by, and only by, an order made under subsection (2).

(2) A tribunal appointed by the Lord President of the Court of Session may order the removal of a JP from office.

(3) The tribunal is to consist of three members, namely—

(a) a sheriff principal,

(b) a person who is, and has been for at least 10 years, a solicitor or advocate,

(c) another person.

(4) The sheriff principal member of the tribunal must not be—

(a) the sheriff principal for the sheriffdom for which the JP is appointed,

(b) a temporary sheriff principal.

(5) The sheriff principal member of the tribunal is to chair the tribunal.

(6) The tribunal may make an order under subsection (2) only if, after investigation carried out at the instance of the sheriff principal for the sheriffdom for which the JP is appointed, it finds that—

(a) the JP is—

(i) unfit for that office, or

(ii) unfit for performing judicial functions,

by reason of inability, neglect of duty or misbehaviour,

(b) the JP has inadequately performed the functions of a JP,

(c) the JP has, without good reason, failed to meet a condition imposed under section 68(2).

(7) The [F28 Court of Session may by act of sederunt] make provision—

(a) as respects the tribunal,

(b) authorising a specified body or class of persons to recommend (by reference to information provided with the recommendation) to a sheriff principal that an investigation for the purposes of subsection (6) be carried out.

(8) Provision in an [F29 act of sederunt] under subsection (7)(a) may, in particular—

(a) prescribe the tribunal's procedures,

(b) enable the tribunal, at any time during an investigation, to suspend a JP from office or from acting as a JP.

(9) A person who is removed from office as a JP is ineligible for reappointment as a JP.

Textual Amendments

F28 Words in s. 71(7) substituted (1.4.2010) by Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008 (asp 6), ss. 41(2), 76; S.S.I. 2010/39, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 5)

F29 Words in s. 71(8) substituted (1.4.2010) by Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008 (asp 6), ss. 41(3), 76; S.S.I. 2010/39, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 5)

[F30 71A Re-employment of former JPs S

(1) A sheriff principal of a sheriffdom may appoint a qualifying former JP to act as a JP of the sheriffdom.

(2) An individual appointed to act as mentioned in subsection (1) may so act only during such periods or on such occasions as the sheriff principal may determine.

(3) A sheriff principal may make an appointment under subsection (1) only if it appears to the sheriff principal to be expedient as a temporary measure in order to facilitate the efficient disposal of business in the JP courts of the sheriffdom.

(4) A “qualifying former JP” is an individual who—

(a) ceased to hold that office other than—

(i) by virtue of an order under section 71,

(ii) by virtue of not being reappointed to the office on the ground mentioned in section 70(2)(d),

(b) has not reached the age of 75, and

(c) is not disqualified under section 73.

Textual Amendments

F30 Ss. 71A, 71B inserted (30.5.2014) by The Judicial Pensions and Retirement Act 1993 (Part-time Sheriff, Stipendiary Magistrate and Justice of the Peace) Order 2014 (S.S.I. 2014/155), arts. 1(2), 4(4)

71B Re-employment of former JPs: further provision S

(1) Subject to subsection (3), an individual’s appointment under section 71A lasts until the sheriff principal by whom the individual was appointed (or a successor to that sheriff principal) recalls the individual’s appointment.

(2) An individual appointed under section 71A(1) to act as a JP of a sheriffdom may exercise in the sheriffdom the jurisdiction and powers that attach to the office of JP.

(3) An individual’s appointment under section 71A(1) ceases when that individual reaches the age of 75.

(4) Despite the ending (whether by virtue of subsection (3) or otherwise) of an individual’s appointment under section 71A(1)—

(a) the individual may continue to deal with, give judgment in or deal with an ancillary matter relating to, a case begun before the individual while acting under that appointment,

(b) so far as is necessary for that purpose, and for the purpose of any subsequent proceedings arising out of the case or the matter, the individual is to be treated as acting, or as the case may be, having acted under that appointment.

(5) The Scottish Court Service may pay to a former JP appointed under section 71A(1) such allowances as the Scottish Ministers may determine.]

Textual Amendments

F30 Ss. 71A, 71B inserted (30.5.2014) by The Judicial Pensions and Retirement Act 1993 (Part-time Sheriff, Stipendiary Magistrate and Justice of the Peace) Order 2014 (S.S.I. 2014/155), arts. 1(2), 4(4)

72 Disqualification of solicitors who are JPs S

(1) A solicitor who is a JP is disqualified from acting (whether directly or indirectly) as a solicitor in, or in connection with, any proceedings before a JP court in the sheriffdom for which the appointment as JP is made.

(2) A disqualification of a solicitor under subsection (1)—

(a) extends to any member of staff of the solicitor,

(b) where the solicitor is a partner of a partnership or is a member of a limited liability partnership, extends to any—

(i) member of staff of the partnership,

(ii) any other partner or (as the case may be) member of the partnership.

73 Disqualification where sequestration or bankruptcy S

(1) A person is disqualified from being appointed as, or acting as, a JP if—

(a) the person's estate has been sequestrated in Scotland, or

(b) the person has been adjudged bankrupt outwith Scotland.

(2) Where a person is disqualified under subsection (1)(a), the disqualification ceases if—

(a) the award of sequestration is recalled or reduced, or

(b) the person is discharged by virtue of the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act [F31 2016].

(3) Where a person is disqualified under subsection (1)(b), the disqualification ceases if—

(a) the adjudication of bankruptcy against the person is annulled, or

(b) the person is discharged.

Textual Amendments

F31 Word in s. 73(2)(b) substituted (30.11.2016) by Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 (asp 21), s. 237(2), sch. 8 para. 25 (with ss. 232, 234(3), 235, 236); S.S.I. 2016/294, reg. 2

F32 74 Appointment of stipendiary magistrates S

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F32 S. 74 repealed (1.4.2016) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 40(5)(a); S.S.I. 2016/13, art. 2, sch.

[F33 74A Exercise of functions by stipendiary magistrates S

F34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

Textual Amendments

F33 S. 74A inserted (28.3.2011) by Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 13), ss. 203, 206, Sch. 7 para. 81; S.S.I. 2011/178, art. 2, Sch.

F34 S. 74A repealed (1.4.2016) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 40(5)(b); S.S.I. 2016/13, art. 2, sch.

F35 75 Stipendiary magistrates: further provision S

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F35 S. 75 repealed (1.4.2016) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 40(5)(c); S.S.I. 2016/13, art. 2, sch.

76 Signing functions S

(1) A person who is a JP F36 ... may not exercise the judicial functions of office (but may exercise signing functions) if the person is—

(a) a member of a local authority,

(b) a member of the Scottish Parliament,

(c) a member of the House of Commons or the House of Lords.

(2) A member of a local authority, despite not being a JP, may exercise [F37 the same signing functions as are exercisable by] a JP.

(3) Where a member of a local authority exercises a signing function, the document, declaration or certificate concerned has effect—

(a) as if that function were exercised by a JP,

(b) even where that document, declaration or certificate requires (or bears to require) to be signed, authenticated or given by a JP,

if the words “member of a local authority” appear on it adjacent to the member's signature.

F38 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5) A JPF39 ... or member of a local authority may not charge a fee for exercising signing functions.

(6) In this Part, “signing functions” are—

(a) signing any document for the purpose of authenticating another person's signature,

(b) taking and authenticating by signature any written declaration,

(c) giving a signed certificate of—

(i) facts within the giver's knowledge, or

(ii) the giver's opinion as to any matter.

Textual Amendments

F36 Words in s. 76(1) repealed (1.4.2016) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 40(6)(a); S.S.I. 2016/13, art. 2, sch.

F37 Words in s. 76(2) substituted (28.3.2011) by Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 13), s. 206(1), Sch. 7 para. 82(a); S.S.I. 2011/178, art. 2, Sch.

F38 S. 76(4) repealed (28.3.2011) by Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 13), s. 206(1), Sch. 7 para. 82(b); S.S.I. 2011/178, art. 2, Sch.

F39 Words in s. 76(5) repealed (1.4.2016) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 40(6)(b); S.S.I. 2016/13, art. 2, sch.

77 Records and validity of appointment etc. S

(1) The Scottish Ministers are to maintain (in such form as they consider appropriate)—

(a) a list of all persons holding office as a JP F40 ...,

(b) a record of—

(i) the instruments of appointment of those persons,

(ii) any order removing a JP F41 ... from office.

(2) The Scottish Ministers are to send to the clerk of each sheriff court a copy of the list and record mentioned in subsection (1) so far as relating to JPs F42 ... appointed for the sheriffdom containing that sheriff court.

(3) Where a sheriff clerk is sent a copy of something under subsection (2), the clerk is to make it available (in such form as the clerk considers appropriate) for public inspection.

(4) No appointment of a JP, nor any act of a JP, is invalidated solely because—

(a) provision made under section 67(5) is not complied with,

(b) the residential requirement referred to in section 68(1) is not met, or

(c) a condition imposed under section 68(2) is not met.

F43 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F40 Words in s. 77(1)(a) repealed (1.4.2016) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 40(7)(a); S.S.I. 2016/13, art. 2, sch.

F41 Words in s. 77(1)(b)(ii) repealed (1.4.2016) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 40(7)(a); S.S.I. 2016/13, art. 2, sch.

F42 Words in s. 77(2) repealed (1.4.2016) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 40(7)(b); S.S.I. 2016/13, art. 2, sch.

F43 S. 77(5) repealed (1.4.2016) by Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (asp 18), s. 138(2), sch. 5 para. 40(7)(c); S.S.I. 2016/13, art. 2, sch.

Commencement Information

I6 S. 77 wholly in force at 22.2.2010; s. 77 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 84; s. 77(1)(4) in force at 10.12.2007 by S.S.I. 2007/479, art. 3, Sch.; s. 77(2)(3)(5) in force for certain purposes at 10.3.2008, 2.6.2008, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009, 14.12.2009 and 22.2.2010 otherwise by S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3(1)(2), Sch. 1, Sch. 2