(1)A sheriff [F1, summary sheriff] or justice of the peace may visit any prison within his jurisdiction or in which a prisoner is confined for any offence committed within his jurisdiction, and may examine the condition of the prison and of the prisoners therein and enter in the visitors book to be kept by the governor of the prison any observations on the condition of the prison or on any abuses therein.
(2)Nothing in the foregoing subsection shall authorise a sheriff [F2, summary sheriff] or justice of the peace to communicate with any prisoner except on the subject of his treatment in the prison nor to visit any prisoner under sentence of death.
(3)It shall be the duty of the governor of a prison to draw the attention of [F3an independent prison monitor] to any entry in the visitors book made in pursuance of this section[F4at the next time such a monitor visits the prison].
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 15(1) inserted (1.4.2016) by The Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2016 (S.S.I. 2016/142), art. 1, sch. para. 2(2)
F2Words in s. 15(2) inserted (1.4.2016) by The Courts Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2016 (S.S.I. 2016/142), art. 1, sch. para. 2(3)
F3Words in s. 15(3) substituted (31.8.2015) by The Public Services Reform (Inspection and Monitoring of Prisons) (Scotland) Order 2015 (S.S.I. 2015/39), arts. 1, 2(7)(a) (with art. 5)
F4Words in s. 15(3) inserted (31.8.2015) by The Public Services Reform (Inspection and Monitoring of Prisons) (Scotland) Order 2015 (S.S.I. 2015/39), arts. 1, 2(7)(b) (with art. 5)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 15(1) modified (3.2.1995) by 1994 c. 33, s. 110(3); S.I. 1995/127, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
C2S. 15(3) modified (3.2.1995) by 1994 c. 33, s. 110(3); S.I. 1995/127, art. 2(1), Sch. 1