Volunteers required to be Justices of the Peace

Are you a person of integrity, honesty and understanding who wants to serve their community?  Then why not volunteer to become a Justice of the Peace (JP) in the Sheriffdom of Grampian, Highland and Islands. 

For further information and an application pack please go to jpscotland or contact Pauline Miller at Pauline.miller@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or on 0131 244 0357. 

JPs are lay judges who sit in the summary criminal Justice of the Peace courts in Scotland along with a legally qualified adviser providing advice on law, practice and procedure.  The lay judge decides on the sentence to be imposed and on guilt or innocence following trials. JPs come from a wide range of backgrounds and occupations.  They are men and women from all walks of life. 

JPs are voluntary, unpaid appointments although they do receive reasonable travel expenses etc.  Most employers allow time off with pay or you can claim loss of earnings.

Time Commitment:  The minimum requirement is 12 sittings per year although this may fluctuate depending in which court you sit as well as how much court business is anticipated.  You must also be able to complete a minimum of 12 hours training per year.

To apply you need to be resident or live within 15 miles of the Sheriffdom. A programme of induction training will be provided to successful applicants.

Current vacancies in GHI in Highland are as follows:

• Fort William JP Court - 1 JP vacancy
• Tain JP Court - 1 JP vacancy

For further information and an application pack please go to jpscotland or contact Pauline Miller at Pauline.miller@scotland.gsi.gov.uk or on 0131 244 0357.

Scottish Ministers welcome applications from groups currently under-represented within the Scottish Judiciary, such as women, disabled people, ethnic minorities and people aged under 50.

Appointed on merit; committed to diversity and equality.