- Latest available (Revised)
- Point in Time (03/03/2013)
- Original (As enacted)
Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980
You are here:
- UK Public General Acts
- 1980 c. 43
- Introduction
What Version
Advanced Features
- Show Geographical Extent(e.g. England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland)
- Show Timeline of Changes
Opening Options
More Resources
Changes over time for: Introductory Text
Version Superseded: 01/04/2013
Alternative versions:
- 01/02/1991- Amendment
- 01/01/2010- Amendment
- 25/01/2010- Amendment
- 04/02/2010- Amendment
- 06/04/2010- Amendment
- 01/06/2010- Amendment
- 16/07/2010- Amendment
- 17/09/2010- Amendment
- 27/09/2010- Amendment
- 21/03/2011- Amendment
- 25/05/2011- Amendment
- 18/06/2011- Amendment
- 01/07/2011- Amendment
- 01/10/2011- Amendment
- 07/11/2012- Amendment
- 03/03/2013
Point in time - 01/04/2013- Amendment
- 01/10/2013- Amendment
- 01/12/2013- Amendment
- 31/12/2013- Amendment
- 07/03/2015- Amendment
- 06/04/2015- Amendment
- 30/04/2015- Amendment
- 27/06/2016- Amendment
- 19/06/2017- Amendment
- 20/11/2017- Amendment
- 08/03/2018- Amendment
- 14/12/2018- Amendment
- 04/07/2020- Amendment
- 18/07/2020- Amendment
- 14/09/2020- Amendment
- 18/09/2020- Amendment
- 01/12/2020- Amendment
- 02/12/2020- Amendment
- 25/12/2020- Amendment
- 31/12/2020- Amendment
- 17/05/2021- Amendment
- 20/06/2021- Amendment
- 18/07/2021- Amendment
- 10/09/2021- Amendment
- 25/11/2021- Amendment
- 13/09/2024- Amendment
Status:
Point in time view as at 03/03/2013.
Changes to legislation:
There are outstanding changes not yet made by the legislation.gov.uk editorial team to Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980. Any changes that have already been made by the team appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.
Changes to Legislation
Changes and effects yet to be applied by the editorial team are only applicable when viewing the latest version or prospective version of legislation. They are therefore not accessible when viewing legislation as at a specific point in time. To view the ‘Changes to Legislation’ information for this provision return to the latest version view using the options provided in the ‘What Version’ box above.
Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980
1980 CHAPTER 43
An Act to consolidate certain enactments relating to the jurisdiction of, and the practice and procedure before, magistrates’ courts and the functions of justices’ clerks, and to matters connected therewith, with amendments to give effect to recommendations of the Law Commission.
[1st August 1980]
Extent Information
E1Act extends to England and Wales but for exceptions to this see s. 155(2)-(6)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1Act extended by Insurance Companies Act 1981 (c. 31, SIF 67), s. 14(3)
Act extended (E.W.) by Housing and Building Control Act 1984 (c. 29, SIF 61), s. 47(3)
Act extended (E.W.) by County Courts Act 1984 (c. 28, SIF 34), s. 129(b)
Act extended (N.I.) by Insurance Companies Act 1982 (c. 50, SIF 67), s. 14(3)
Act modified (11.3.1999) by S.I. 1999/450, art. 140
Act excluded (1.4.2000) by 1999 c. 22, s. 21(3) (with s. 107, Sch. 14 para. 7(2)); S.I. 2000/774, art. 2(a)(i)
Act excluded (31.8.2000) by 1997 c. 25, s. 10E (as substituted (31.8.2000) by 1999 c. 22, s. 78(1),(with s. 107, Sch. 14 para. 7(2)); S.I. 2000/1920, art. 3(a))
Act applied (E.)(1.4.2000) by S.I. 2000/227, reg. 8(1)
C2Act extended by Public Health Act 1936 (c. 49, SIF 100:1), ss. 65A, 65B (as inserted by Housing and Building Act 1984 (c. 29, SIF 61), s. 57(1), Sch. 9)
C3Act applied (E.W.S.) by Fire Safety and Safety of Places of Sport Act 1987 (c. 27, SIF 45A), ss. 26(1), 30(6), 40(1)(2), 50(2)
C4Act applied (E.W.S.) by Fire Precautions Act 1971 (c. 40, SIF 50), s. 10A(3) (as inserted by Fire Safety and Safety of Places of Sport Act 1987 (c. 27, SIF 45A), s. 24)
C5Act excluded (E.W.): by Legal Aid Act 1988 (c. 34, SIF 77:1), s. 39(2)(3); (19.6.1997) by 1997 c. 25, ss. 15(1)(2), 74(1)-(4) (with Sch. 4 para. 27)
C6Act modified (E.W.) by Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 (c. 53, SIF 107:1), ss. 59(2)(5), 92, 99(5)
C7Act applied by Food Safety Act 1990 (c. 16, SIF 53:1, 2), ss. 37(3), 54
Act applied (1.12.1991) by Land Drainage Act 1991 (c. 59, SIF 73:1), ss. 27(2), 76(2), (with ss. 67(3)(5)(8), 72(6), 74(3)(4))
Act applied by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 81(7), Sch. 3 para. 1(2)
C8Act: definition of "petty sessional court-house" applied (E.W.) (31.10.1991) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 92(1); S.I. 1991/2208, art. 2(4), Sch. 3
C9By Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 101(1), Sch. 12 para. 23; S.I. 1991/2208, art. 2(1), Sch.1 it is provided (14.10.1991) that in relation to any time before the commencement of s. 70 of that 1991 Act (which came into force on 1.10.1992 by S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2) references in any enactment amended by that 1991 Act, to youth courts shall be construed as references to juvenile courts.
C10Act applied (1.4.1997) by 1996 c. 14, s. 100, Sch. 2 para. 3(2) (with s. 72(5)); S.I. 1997/305, art.2
Act applied (W.) (1.7.2001) by S.I. 2001/2197, s. 8(1)
Act applied (E.W.) (1.12.2001) by 2001 c. 16, ss. 20(7), 23(5); S.I. 2001/3736, art. 2(a)
Act applied (22.1.2002) by 1998 c. 34, ss. 25(3), (with s. 29); S.I. 2000/3144, art. 2
Act applied (W.) (22.5.2002) by S.I. 2002/1387, reg. 21(6)
Act applied (E.) (22.5.2002) by S.I. 2002/1227, reg. 21(6) (with regs. 3, 29)
Act applied (15.8.2002) by S.I. 2002/1998 art. 16(2) (with art. 33)
Act applied (W.) (19.8.2002) by S.I. 2002/2127, reg. 24(6)
Act applied (W.) (9.9.2002) by S.I. 2002/2295, reg. 6(3)
Act applied (W) (9.9.2002) by S.I. 2002/2296, reg. 6(3)
Act applied (E.) (13.9.2002) by S.I. 2002/2350, reg. 6(5)
Act applied (E.) (13.9.2002) by S.I. 2002/2351, reg. 6(5)
Act applied (E.) (1.10.2002) by S.I. 2000/3047 reg. 13A (as inserted by S.I. 2002/2315, reg. 2(3))
Act applied (E.W.) (21.10.2002) by 2001 c. 3, s. 6(3); S.I. 2002/1914, art. 2
Act applied (E.W.) (1.12.2002 for certain purposes, otherwise 1.1.2003) by 2001 c. 3, s. 23(3); S.I. 2002/2957, arts. 2, 3
Act applied (E.) (30.6.2003) by S.I. 2003/1478, reg. 8(5)
Act applied (E.) (11.7.2003) by S.I. 2003/1722, reg. 6(5)
Act applied (E.) (30.7.2003) by S.I. 2003/1940 {reg. 6(5)}
Act. applied (E.) (31.7.2003) by S.I. 2003/1956, reg. 6(5) (as substituted (7.2.2005) by S.I. 2005/208, reg. 2(5))
Act applied (W.) (5.9.2003) by S.I. 2003/2254, reg. 6(5)
Act applied (E.) (1.5.2004) by S.I. 2004/1214, reg. 21(6)
Act applied (E.) (1.8.2004) by S.I. 2004/1740, reg. 21(6)
Act applied (E) (20.12.2004) by S.I. 2004/3062, reg. 8(5)
Act applied (W.) (10.6.2005) by S.I. 2005/1540, reg. 6(5)
Act applied (E.W.) (8.10.2005) by S.I. 2005/2469, reg. 25(3)
Act applied (30.10.2005) by S.I. 2005/2745, reg. 38(2) (which S.I. was revoked (1.10.2006) by S.I. 2006/2407, reg. 44(1))
Act applied (W.) (1.1.2006) by S.I. 2005/3368, regs. 13(2), 18(2)
Act applied (E.) (1.1.2006) by S.I. 2005/3280, regs. 13(2), 18(2)
Act applied (E.) (11.1.2006) by S.I. 2006/14, reg. 20
Act applied (E.) (11.1.2006) by S.I. 2006/15, reg. 31 (which S.I. was revoked (14.12.2007) by S.I. 2007/3185, reg. 49)
Act applied (W.) (11.1.2006) by S.I. 2006/31, reg. 20(2)
Act applied (1.10.2006) by S.I. 2006/2407, reg. 38(2)
Act applied (E.) (24.11.2006) by S.I. 2006/2841, regs. 19(6), 21(8)
Act applied (W.) (14.2.2007) by S.I. 2007/376, reg. 21(8) (subject to reg. 22)
Act applied (12.7.2007) by S.I. 2007/1711, Sch. 5 para. 4(2)
Act applied (1.10.2007) by S.I. 2007/2539, regs. 38(2), 40(7)
Act applied (3.12.2007) by S.I. 2007/3106, reg. 10(4)
Act applied (E.) (14.12.2007) by S.I. 2007/3185, regs. 12(2), 31(2)
Act applied (W.) (14.12.2007) by S.I. 2007/3294, regs. 12(2), 31(2)
Act applied (prosp.) by 2006 c. 50, ss. 62(4), 79
C11Act amended (W.) (29.2.2003) by The National Assembly for Wales (Representation of the People) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/284), art. 127 (with art. 82(1))
Act amended (1.2.2007) by The National Assembly for Wales (Representation of the People) Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/236), arts. 1(1), 128 (with arts. 83(1), 137(1))
C12Act restricted (E.W.) (1.4.2005) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), s. 26(1), 110; S.I. 2005/910, art. 3
Act restricted (E.W.) (15.12.2006) by S.I. 2006/3407, art. 7
C13Act modified (E.W.) (24.3.2003) by 2002 c. 29, ss. 67(6)(b), 458(1)(3); S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.
Act modified (E.W.) (4.4.2005) by S.I. 2005/384, rule 26.4(2)-(7)
C14Act applied (W.) (25.9.2003) by The Food (Hot Chilli and Hot Chilli Products) (Emergency Control) (Wales) Regulations 2003 (S.I. 2003/2455), reg. 6(5)
Act applied (with modifications) (E.W.) (27.3.2006) by The Collection of Fines (Pilot Scheme) and Discharge of Fines by Unpaid Work (Pilot Schemes) (Amendment) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/502), arts. 1(1)(b)(2) {7}
C15Act applied (15.2.2008) by The Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/41), regs. 1(2), 25(1)
C16Act applied (15.2.2008) by The Environmental Protection (Controls on Ozone-Depleting Substances) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2002/528), reg. 16(2) (as substituted by 2008/91, reg. 2, Sch. para. 5)
C17Act applied (1.10.2008) by The Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/2297), regs. 39(2), 41(7)
C18Act applied (16.1.2009) by The Spirit Drinks Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/3206), regs. 12(16)(a), 14(2)(a)
C19Act applied (E.) (19.1.2009) by The Beef and Veal Labelling Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/3252), reg. 5(5)
C20Act excluded (30.11.2009) by Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000 (c. 6), Sch. 1 para. 9ZA(8) (as inserted by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 6, 153, Sch. 4 para. 107 (with Sch. 27 paras. 1, 5); S.I. 2009/3074, art. 2)
C21Act excluded (30.11.2009) by Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000 (c. 6), Sch. 6 para. 6A(8) (as inserted by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 6, 153, Sch. 4 para. 108(6) (with Sch. 27 paras. 1, 5); S.I. 2009/3074, art. 2)
C22Act excluded (30.11.2009) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), Sch. 8 para. 25A(5) (as inserted by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 6, 153, Sch. 4 para 109 (with Sch. 27 paras. 1, 5); S.I. 2009/3074, art. 2)
C23Act applied (E.) (14.9.2009) by The Eggs and Chicks (England) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2163), reg. 21(16)
C24Act applied (1.10.2009) by The Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2297), regs. 39(2), 41(7) (with reg. 3)
C25Act applied (23.11.2009) by The Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2890), reg. 21(16)
C26Act applied (E.) (1.1.2010) by The Private Water Supplies Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/3101), reg. 19(2) (with reg. 2)
C27Act applied (E.) (25.1.2010) by The Official Feed and Food Controls (England) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/3255), regs. 12(2), 33(2)
C28Act applied (W.) (25.1.2010) by The Official Feed and Food Controls (Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/3376), reg. 33(2)
C29Act applied (25.1.2010) by The Sea Fishing (Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/3391), art. 7(4) (with art. 2(1))
C30Act applied (1.1.2010) by The Private Water Supplies Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/3101), reg. 19(2) (with reg. 2)
C31Act applied (25.1.2010) by The Sea Fishing (Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/3391), art. 7(4) (with art. 2(1))
C32Act applied (25.1.2010) by Official Feed and Food Controls (England) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/3255), reg. 33(2)
C33Act applied (W.) (25.1.2010) by The Official Feed and Food Controls (Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/3376), reg. 33(2)
C34Act applied (E.) (25.1.2010) by The Official Feed and Food Controls (England) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/3255), regs. 12(2), 33(2)
C35Act applied (W.) (4.2.2010) by The Private Water Supplies (Wales) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/66), reg. 19(2)
C36Act applied (6.4.2010) by The Detergents Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/740), reg. 27(3)
C37Act applied (6.4.2010) by The Welfare of Racing Greyhounds Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/543), reg. 13(2)
C38Act applied (E.) (1.6.2010) by The Beef and Pig Carcase Classification (England) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/1090), reg. 20(3)
C39Act applied (W.) (16.7.2010) by The Eggs and Chicks (Wales) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/1671), reg. 21(16)
C40Act applied (17.9.2010) by The Marketing of Fruit Plant Material Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/2079), Sch. 4 para. 5(2) (with reg. 3)
C41Act applied (27.9.2010) by The Pharmacy Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/231), arts. 1(5), 16(2); S.I. 2010/1621, art. 2(1), Sch.
C42Act applied (21.3.2011) by The Poultrymeat (England) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/452), reg. 15(2)
C43Act applied (21.3.2011) by The Poultrymeat (England) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/452), reg. 6(3)
C44Act applied (E.) (21.3.2011) by The Poultrymeat (England) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/452), regs. 6(3)13(17), 15(2)
C45Act applied (E.) (25.5.2011) by The Trade in Animals and Related Products Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1197), reg. 24 (with reg. 3)
C46Act applied (18.6.2011) by The Magistrates’ Courts (Enforcement or Variation of Orders Made in Family Proceedings and Miscellaneous Provisions) Rules 2011 (S.I. 2011/1329), rule 28(1) (with rule 3)
C47Act applied (W.) (1.7.2011) by The Plastic Kitchenware (Conditions on Imports from China) (Wales) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1605), reg. 9(2)
C48Act applied (E.) (1.7.2011) by The Plastic Kitchenware (Conditions on Imports from China) (England) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1517), reg. 9(2)
C49Act applied (1.10.2011) by The Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2159), reg. 41(7) (with reg. 3)
C50Act applied (1.10.2011) by The Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2159), regs. 39(2), 41(7) (with reg. 3)
C51Act applied (with modifications) (coming into force in accordance with reg. 1(1) of the amending S.I.) by The International Recovery of Maintenance (Hague Convention 2007 etc.) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/2814), Sch. 1 para. 2(8)
Options/Help
Print Options
PrintThe Whole Act
PrintThis Introductory Text only
You have chosen to open The Whole Act
The Whole Act you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.
Would you like to continue?
You have chosen to open The Whole Act as a PDF
The Whole Act you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download.
Would you like to continue?
You have chosen to open the Whole Act
The Whole Act you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.
Would you like to continue?
You have chosen to open the Whole Act without Schedules
The Whole Act without Schedules you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.
Would you like to continue?
You have chosen to open Schedules only
The Schedules you have selected contains over 200 provisions and might take some time to download. You may also experience some issues with your browser, such as an alert box that a script is taking a long time to run.
Would you like to continue?
Legislation is available in different versions:
Latest Available (revised):The latest available updated version of the legislation incorporating changes made by subsequent legislation and applied by our editorial team. Changes we have not yet applied to the text, can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area.
Original (As Enacted or Made): The original version of the legislation as it stood when it was enacted or made. No changes have been applied to the text.
Point in Time: This becomes available after navigating to view revised legislation as it stood at a certain point in time via Advanced Features > Show Timeline of Changes or via a point in time advanced search.
See additional information alongside the content
Geographical Extent: Indicates the geographical area that this provision applies to. For further information see ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.
Show Timeline of Changes: See how this legislation has or could change over time. Turning this feature on will show extra navigation options to go to these specific points in time. Return to the latest available version by using the controls above in the What Version box.
Opening Options
Different options to open legislation in order to view more content on screen at once
More Resources
Access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item from this tab. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:
- the original print PDF of the as enacted version that was used for the print copy
- lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
- confers power and blanket amendment details
- all formats of all associated documents
- correction slips
- links to related legislation and further information resources
Timeline of Changes
This timeline shows the different points in time where a change occurred. The dates will coincide with the earliest date on which the change (e.g an insertion, a repeal or a substitution) that was applied came into force. The first date in the timeline will usually be the earliest date when the provision came into force. In some cases the first date is 01/02/1991 (or for Northern Ireland legislation 01/01/2006). This date is our basedate. No versions before this date are available. For further information see the Editorial Practice Guide and Glossary under Help.
More Resources
Use this menu to access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:
- the original print PDF of the as enacted version that was used for the print copy
- correction slips
Click 'View More' or select 'More Resources' tab for additional information including:
- lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
- confers power and blanket amendment details
- all formats of all associated documents
- links to related legislation and further information resources
All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. This site additionally contains content derived from EUR-Lex, reused under the terms of the Commission Decision 2011/833/EU on the reuse of documents from the EU institutions. For more information see the EUR-Lex public statement on re-use.