New framework for JP training comes into force

An Order made by the Lord President, Lord Carloway introducing a new framework for the training of Justices of the Peace, came into force on 28 November 2016 with practical training arrangements to be effective from 1 January 2017.

On 27 October 2016, the Lord President made the Justices of the Peace (Training and Appraisal) Scotland Order 2016 (the 2016 Order), which was laid before the Scottish Parliament on 28 October 2016.

Following work undertaken subsequent to the 2014 consultation on the future of training for Justices of the Peace (JPs), the 2016 Order revokes the training and appraisal provisions contained in the Justices of the Peace (Scotland) Order 2007.

The 2016 Order enshrines the key principle that all sheriffdoms and the Judicial Institute will work in partnership to achieve consistently high quality training for JPs.

All training for JPs will follow a new set of learning objectives, set out in the National Curriculum for Justices of the Peace.

There will be a new statutory requirement for every JP to attend at least 12 hours of training annually, to include six hours of training delivered by the Judicial Institute every three years.

Click for the 2014 consultation and 2014 consultation responses.