SQA
National 5
Modern Studies
Crime and the Law
Notes
2021-22
2022-23
These notes will give you a better
understanding of the National 5 Modern
Studies Course and will assist you well on
your way to achieving an A in the final
exam!
C. McNeill
, Modern Studies Crime & The Law
Structure of the Court
Justice of the peace Court
>For minor offences such as breach of the peace, drunk and
disorderly or theft. They are always by summary procedure with a justice of the Peace.
>For example, The maximum punishment given is a fine of up to £2,500 and up to
60 days in prison.
Sheriff Courts
>For more serious crimes such as assault, drink driving or possession of drugs. Trials can be either
summary or Solemn.
>For example, Summary cases the maximum sentence is 12 months in prison and /or a fine of up to
£10,000.
Powers of the Court
Fine
>A sum of money must be paid by the convicted person to the court. If the fine is not paid the
person could be sent to prison. Fines punish people without the same stigma as prison.
>For example, JP courts can fine up to £2,500 for crimes such as theft or breach of the peace.
Imprisonment
>The person is sent to prison where they are physically confined and denied a range of personal
freedoms. A custodial sentence is most frequently used for crimes involving violence, or crimes with
a sexual element.
>For example,In Scotland, at any given point there are around 7,500 people serving a custodial
sentence.
C. McNeill
National 5
Modern Studies
Crime and the Law
Notes
2021-22
2022-23
These notes will give you a better
understanding of the National 5 Modern
Studies Course and will assist you well on
your way to achieving an A in the final
exam!
C. McNeill
, Modern Studies Crime & The Law
Structure of the Court
Justice of the peace Court
>For minor offences such as breach of the peace, drunk and
disorderly or theft. They are always by summary procedure with a justice of the Peace.
>For example, The maximum punishment given is a fine of up to £2,500 and up to
60 days in prison.
Sheriff Courts
>For more serious crimes such as assault, drink driving or possession of drugs. Trials can be either
summary or Solemn.
>For example, Summary cases the maximum sentence is 12 months in prison and /or a fine of up to
£10,000.
Powers of the Court
Fine
>A sum of money must be paid by the convicted person to the court. If the fine is not paid the
person could be sent to prison. Fines punish people without the same stigma as prison.
>For example, JP courts can fine up to £2,500 for crimes such as theft or breach of the peace.
Imprisonment
>The person is sent to prison where they are physically confined and denied a range of personal
freedoms. A custodial sentence is most frequently used for crimes involving violence, or crimes with
a sexual element.
>For example,In Scotland, at any given point there are around 7,500 people serving a custodial
sentence.
C. McNeill
