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Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980, Introductory Text is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 15 November 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.
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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 (W.) (4.2.2010) by The Private Water Supplies (Wales) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/66), reg. 19(2)
C31Act applied (6.4.2010) by The Detergents Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/740), reg. 27(3)
C32Act applied (6.4.2010) by The Welfare of Racing Greyhounds Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/543), reg. 13(2)
C33Act applied (E.) (1.6.2010) by The Beef and Pig Carcase Classification (England) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/1090), reg. 20(3)
C34Act applied (W.) (16.7.2010) by The Eggs and Chicks (Wales) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/1671), reg. 21(16)
C35Act 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)
C36Act 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.
C37Act applied (E.) (21.3.2011) by The Poultrymeat (England) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/452), regs. 6(3)13(17), 15(2)
C38Act applied (E.) (25.5.2011) by The Trade in Animals and Related Products Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1197), reg. 24 (with reg. 3)
C39Act 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)
C40Act applied (W.) (1.7.2011) by The Plastic Kitchenware (Conditions on Imports from China) (Wales) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1605), reg. 9(2)
C41Act applied (E.) (1.7.2011) by The Plastic Kitchenware (Conditions on Imports from China) (England) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/1517), reg. 9(2)
C42Act applied (1.10.2011) by The Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2159), regs. 39(2), 41(7) (with reg. 3)
C43Act 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)
C44Act excluded (1.4.2013) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 36(3)(4), 151(1) (with s. 43); S.I. 2013/453, art. 3(a) (with savings and transitional provisions in S.I. 2013/534, art. 6)
C45Act applied (1.10.2013) by Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 (c. 10), s. 23(2), Sch. 1 para. 9(4); S.I. 2013/1966, art. 3(u)
C46Act applied (1.10.2013) by The Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/2033), regs. 39(2), 41(7) (with reg. 3)
C47Act applied (1.12.2013) by Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 (c. 10), s. 23(2), Sch. 2 paras. 4(7), 7(5); S.I. 2013/1966, art. 4(h)
C48Act applied (E.) (31.12.2013) by The Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/2996), reg. 22(2) (with reg. 1(2))
C49Act applied (7.3.2015) by The Ozone-Depleting Substances Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/168), reg. 17(3) (with reg. 12(7))
C50Act applied (E.) (6.4.2015) by The Animal Feed (Hygiene, Sampling etc. and Enforcement) (England) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/454), reg. 12(2) (with reg. 3(1))
C51Act applied (W.) (30.4.2015) by The Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/3266), reg. 19(2)
C52Act applied (E.) (27.6.2016) by The Private Water Supplies (England) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/618), reg. 19(2) (with reg. 3)
C53Act applied (W.) (19.6.2017) by The Marketing of Fruit Plant and Propagating Material (Wales) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/691), reg. 22(2)
C54Act applied (W.) (20.11.2017) by The Private Water Supplies (Wales) Regulations 2017 (S.I. 2017/1041), reg. 21(2) (with reg. 3)
C55Act applied (E.) (8.3.2018) by The Novel Foods (England) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/154), reg. 6(2)
C56Act applied (W.) (14.12.2018) by The Carcase Classification and Price Reporting (Wales) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/1215), reg. 21(3) (with reg. 6)
C57Act applied (temp.) (E.) (4.7.2020 at 00.01 a.m.) by The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (England) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/684), regs. 1(2)(b), 6(13) (with reg. 11)
C58Act applied (temp.) (W.) (14.9.2020) by The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Functions of Local Authorities) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/984), regs. 1(3), 12(2)(a) (with reg. 3)
C59Act applied (temp.) (18.9.2020 at 12.01 a.m.) by The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Functions of Local Authorities etc.) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1011), regs. 1(3), 12(2)(a) (with reg. 3)
C60Act excluded (E.W.) (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 4 para. 13(6) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2
C61Act excluded (E.W.) (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 7 para. 26(6) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2
C62Act excluded (E.W.) (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 10 para. 26(5) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2
C63Act excluded (E.W.) (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 5 para. 9(6) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2
C64Act applied by S.I. 2020/750, reg. 4(9A) (as inserted (2.12.2020) by The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Local Authority Enforcement Powers and Amendment) (England) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1375), reg. 1(1), Sch. para. 8(b) (with Sch. para. 13(1)(2)))
C65Act applied by S.I. 2020/750, reg. 5(9A) (as inserted (2.12.2020) by The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Local Authority Enforcement Powers and Amendment) (England) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1375), reg. 1(1), Sch. para. 9(b) (with Sch. para. 13(1)(2)))
C66Act applied by S.I. 2020/750, reg. 6(5A) (as inserted (2.12.2020) by The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Local Authority Enforcement Powers and Amendment) (England) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1375), reg. 1(1), Sch. para. 10(b) (with Sch. para. 13(1)(2)))
C67Act applied by S.I. 2012/2619, reg. 19C(2) (as inserted (25.12.2020) by The Food and Feed Hygiene and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) (England) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1410), regs. 1(2), 4(11))
C68Act applied (31.12.2020) by S.I. 2008/3206, reg. 14(2) (as substituted (E.W.S.) by The Agricultural Products, Food and Drink (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1637), regs. 1(7), 10(9))
C69Act applied (31.12.2020) by S.I. 2008/3206, reg. 12(16) (as substituted (E.W.S.) by The Agricultural Products, Food and Drink (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1637), regs. 1(7), 10(8))
C70Act applied (temp.) (E.) (18.7.2020 at 12.01 a.m.) by The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No. 3) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/750), regs. 1(2), 6(5)(a) (with reg. 19 (as amended (20.6.2021 at 11.55 p.m.) by The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Steps and Other Provisions) (England) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/705), regs. 1(2), 4(1))
C71Act applied (temp.) (E.) (2.12.2020) by The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Local Authority Enforcement Powers and Amendment) (England) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1375), regs. 1(1), 9(3)(a) (with reg. 12 (as amended (E.) (15.5.2021) by The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Steps and Other Provisions) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/585), regs. 1(2), 5) and as amended (E.) (20.6.2021 at 11.55 p.m.) by The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Steps and Other Provisions) (England) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/705), regs. 1(2), 4(2))
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