Section 92: Restriction on power to impose imprisonment for default.

Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 · 1980 c. 43View on legislation.gov.uk

Part III: Satisfaction and Enforcement

A magistrates' court shall not exercise its power under section 76 above to issue a warrant to commit to prison a person who makes default in paying a sum adjudged to be paid by an order of such a court except where the default is under—

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an order made by a court under regulations under section 23 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (payment by individual in respect of legal aid) ; or
an order for the payment of any of the taxes, contributions, premiums or liabilities specified in Schedule 4 to the Administration of Justice Act 1970.

This section does not affect the power of a magistrates' court to issue such a warrant as aforesaid in the case of default in paying a sum adjudged to be paid by a conviction, or treated (by any enactment relating to the collection or enforcement of fines, costs, compensation or forfeited recognizances) as so adjudged to be paid.

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Reuse reviewed 21 August 2026 under Open Government Licence v3.0.