Court sentencing powers

Court Type of Judge Jury present Sentencing Powers
Justice of the Peace Court Justice of the Peace No Maximum fine £2,500
Maximum prison sentence 60 days.
Justice of the Peace Court - Stipendiary Magistrate Stipendiary Magistrate (Glasgow only) No Maximum fine £5,000
Maximum prison sentence 12 months.
Sheriff Court (Summary) Sheriff No Maximum fine £5,000.
Maximum prison sentence 12 months
Sheriff Court (Solemn) Sheriff Yes Unlimited maximum fine.
Maximum prison sentence five years (or pass to High Court)
High Court Judge Yes Unlimited maximum fine.
Unlimited maximum prison sentence.

Jargon Buster

Some words in this website have legal meanings, which may be different to what you would expect, or may be unfamiliar to you. This section explains these words as well as some other words you may come across in the criminal justice system.