To be a Justice of the Peace you don't need to be legally qualified. You will, however, be asked to demonstrate that you have four necessary qualities:
1. Capacity for Fairness
- Respect for and understanding of the needs of the diverse range of the population in Scotland;
- The ability to recognise and set aside prejudice and challenge prejudice in others;
- The ability to understand and explain different points of view ensuring all who have a right to be heard are heard;
- Commitment to ensuring equality of treatment.
2. Sound Judgment
- Think logically, weigh arguments and reach objective and impartial decisions
- Understand complex documents and identify relevant facts
- Distinguish between relevant and irrelevant material
- Follow arguments without pre-judging the merits of these
- Make decisions in accordance with rules or procedures while taking account of individual circumstances
3. Communication
- Listening, sometimes for long periods
- Using all methods of communication effectively
- Being able to explain the reasoning for your decision
- Questioning effectively and clarify appropriately
- Seeking and listening to advice
4. Management of Self and Others
- Have sufficient self-awareness to be able to assess the impact of your own behaviour on others and to modify your behaviour
- Have the ability to manage a workload in a business-like manner while demonstrating sound judgement
- Are open to different viewpoints and value contributions which others make
- Have the understanding and ability to articulate the differing views and needs of others
- Are resilient and able to handle stress.
The application process is designed to help you to provide evidence and examples from your own experiences (personal as well as work) to show how you have been able to apply these qualities in your own life.