Justice of the peace court

The justice of the peace (JP) court deals with the least serious criminal cases in Scotland, using summary procedure without a jury.

Justice of the peace courts hear minor summary offences such as breach of the peace, minor assaults, petty theft and some road traffic offences. Cases are usually heard by a justice of the peace, a trained lay magistrate who is not legally qualified, sitting with a legally qualified clerk or legal adviser who advises on the law. There is no jury. The maximum sentence a JP court can impose is 60 days' imprisonment or a fine of up to £2,500, and it can also make some community payback orders. Appeals against conviction or sentence go to the Sheriff Appeal Court. JP courts sit in the same buildings as many sheriff courts, and the Procurator Fiscal decides which cases go there.

Checked as at 25 September 2026. General information only, not legal advice.