The law courts in Scotland – Section 7

District Courts

There are 30 district courts in Scotland Justice of the Peace (a lay person who is

not legally qualified) No jury Minor offences e.g. breach of the peace,

driving offences, TV licence fraud Sentencing powers: maximum fine of

£2,500, maximum prison sentence of 60 days

Justice of the Peace Courts

District courts will become JP (Justice of the Peace) Courts

JP courts will be run by the Scottish Courts service instead of local councils

A new act of the Scottish parliament passed in January 2006, Criminal Proceedings Reform Bill means:

Sheriff Court

49 Sheriff courts in Scotland Sheriff (a full-time judge), no jury for

less serious crimes – known as summary procedure

Most offences apart from most serious

Can also deal with civil cases Sheriff with jury (of 15 people) for

more serious crimes – known as solemn procedure

Sheriff Court

Sentencing powers: The maximum penalty that may be imposed is 3 months' imprisonment or a £5,000 fine (in summary cases) or 5 years' imprisonment or an unlimited fine (in solemn cases).

High Court

Judge with jury of 15 It sits in cities and larger towns Glasgow and Edinburgh have

permanent High Court Buildings Most serious offences, e.g. murder,

rape Sentencing powers unlimited

Civil Courts

The main civil court in Scotland is the Court of Session

It meets in Edinburgh It mostly deals with cases in which

people are suing others for large amounts of money and complex divorce cases