imlach

Had to use one of these tonight - one of our tenants called to say they had water coming in through the ceiling from the flat above - as there was no answer from the flat above, had to call environmental health in.

Environmental health had to serve a warrant on the flat above by pinning a notice to the door (for 1 hour) while they went to see a JP who authorised entry at the time the warrant became enforceable.

All the JP had to do was get the two council guys to swear an oath (allegiance to the crown etc!) then he signed the paperwork. Bet the JP got paid a wad for his signature too

So, how does one become a JP? Can any law abiding citizen become one?
Is anyone here one?

However, money-maker of the night award had to go to the locksmith (on about £100k/year!). I felt I had to watch how he gained access to the flat above....interesting......so so easy & quick!

Praise goes to Edinburgh District Council Environmental Health Dept though....very efficient at doing what they did. Nice bunch of guys too....especially given it was a Saturday night at 9pm....were onsite within 30 minutes.

ajm

Not sure if its different in Scotland, but I think you just apply to your local magistrates court or the local council. One of my mates' dad is a JP. You have to be an upstanding citizen though... and not be declared bankrupt!

I *think* JP is an unpaid position however, so no dosh for the signature!

topdog

ajm I think you're wrong, my Dad is a JP he was nominated (but you can apply) and he does get paid for his duties

ajm

I may be interested in applying myself in that case.... being a pillar of society and all that!

topdog

Stueyb

My mother is a JP. Anyone without a criminal record/dubious financial history may apply. You are entitled to expenses and that is all. It has its downside, ie our cars have been attacked etc by people who know where we live because of the sentance they got and they can call at really bizzare hours to sign police forced entry type documents. TBH From what i have seen and lived with, you have to do it for the love of it and trying to make the country a better place.

On a seperate note, all these dodgy sentances given by JPs is due to the Lord Chancelor giving "setancing guidlines" that are imho, a licence to commit crime in this politically correct world, where they are just poor misunderstood yobos

deano

In Manchester we just kick the ******* door in

imlach

...which is exactly what we needed tonight and why one was used....except not the police in this case, but the council.

The council guy had a huge list of JP's in Edinburgh, but it took until about the 7th or 8th on the list before he got one that was either in or willing to do it....so the "expenses" can't be that great

yoza

" Anyone without a criminal record/or dubious financial history may apply. "

Ah well.......narrows it down a bit.

Pumpkin

My dad is a magistrate and the position is purely voluntary. The only things that is paid is a small amount for fuel.

eClaire

I know a JP in Ayrshire imlach. Fantastic bloke.

He has only recently become one. He got a fine for speeding in 1981 and was told if anything like it happened again he would lose his position!!!

Audi-Boy

Then yer get yer head kicked in!

'the **** u lookin' at'

clarence

I heard that to become a JP in Oz, all u need to do is some money.
Being a JP is no fun job in Hong Kong, u need to do frequent prison visits (the idea is that prisoners can complain to someone) & be the independant witness in every lotto draw.