Backing for proposals for JP training

Proposed new arrangements for training of justices of the peace in Scotland have been supported by a majority of those who took part in a public consultation.

The exercise followed a review instructed last May by the Lord President, Lord Gill, to assist him in determining what changes, if any, were needed. The preferred option put to consultation was for training to be delivered in a partnership between the Judicial Institute for Scotland and local sheriffdom justices’ training committees (JTCs).

Most respondents (83%) indicated either explicit or qualified support for this course of action, and the Lord President is therefore proposing to continue with it. The Judicial Institute will be responsible, along with the local committees, for devising a core curriculum for all justices in Scotland, and the organisations will together produce the necessary materials, combining the Institute's experience and resources with the skills and knowledge existing in the sheriffdoms.

The arrangement will allow specific training to be devised to meet particular local needs.

While training has been carried out at both national and local level since 2007, the proposals will ensure there is a clear link between the training needs identified in appraisals and the training delivered, and ensure that justices receive training of a consistent quality on all relevant matters.

Work will continue to address concerns raised during the consultation, including the need for clearly defined roles for all involved, a clear statement of learning outcomes for all training, the involvement of sheriffdom legal advisers in developing training, effective channels of communication between national and local level, and a clear statement of how quality assurance is to be achieved.

The Lord President commented: “I am confident that the new arrangements will benefit justices, justices training committees, the Scottish legal system, and the Scottish people as a whole.”