Lay Judges in the Summary Criminal Justice of The Peace Courts

Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Glasgow

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)?

JPs are lay judges who sit in the summary criminal JP Courts in Scotland along with a legally qualified adviser who provides them with advice on law, practice and procedure. The lay judge decides on guilt or innocence following trials and the sentence to be imposed. JPs come from a wide range of backgrounds and occupations. A programme of induction training - both local and national and spread over a number of months - will be provided to successful applicants. The JP role offers successful candidates an excellent personal development opportunity.

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

The minimum time commitment is twelve ‘sittings’ per year although this may vary in pattern and amount depending on the arrangements in the area and on how much court business is anticipated. A court sitting may be all day or as little as 30 minutes. You must also be able to complete a minimum of 12 hours training per year.

There are currently several JP vacancies. To apply, you need to be resident in or live within 15 miles of the Sheriffdom of Glasgow and Strathkelvin.

Information and guidance notes and an application form can be requested at JP Recruitment Application Requests (JPRecruitmentapplicationrequests@gov.scot)

Additional information is available at www.scotcourts.gov.uk

Closing date for applications: 1st March 2026.

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.

A presentation and information session will be held on Thursday 5th February 2026 at 5pm in Glasgow Sheriff and JP Court, 1 Carlton Place, Glasgow G5 9DA.