This Order makes provision in connection with the Scottish Ministers' power to appoint justices of the peace under section 67(1) of the Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (“the Act”). A person may not be appointed as a justice of the peace under that section unless they have been recommended for appointment by a Justice of the Peace Advisory Committee (JPAC).

The Order makes provision for the formation of JPACs; Justices' Training Committees (JTCs) and Justices' Appraisal Committees (JACs). The Order sets out the requirements for appointment to these committees, the terms of appointment and the procedure for being appointed. The Order also makes provisions for various functions to be exercised by these committees. The Order makes provision for the formation of sub committees of JTCs and JACs.

The Order sets out the training requirements applicable to justices of the peace appointed under the Act and to full justices of the peace appointed under the District Courts (Scotland) Act 1975.

The Order sets out the framework for the appraisal of justices of the peace appointed under the Act.