Justice of the Peace Court

The Justice of the Peace Court is the most inferior court in the Criminal justice system. Each court is presided by a "Justice of the Peace" who typically has no legal qualifications, but is aided by a legally qualified clerk.

Some Justices of the Peace (particularly in Glasgow) are "Stipendiary Magistrates" who are legally qualified and have a greater sentencing power.

Justice of the Peace courts only hear cases using the Summary Proceedure

Sentencing Powers

 * Justices of the peace can sentence up to
 * 60 Days in prison
 * Fines of up to £2,500
 * Stipendiary Magistrates can sentence up to
 * 12 months in prison
 * Fines of up to £10,000