Explanatory note

This Order brings sections 96 and 97 of the Access to Justice Act 1999 into force on 19th February 2001, together with associated repeals. These provisions relate to the execution of warrants issued by justices of the peace.

Section 96 inserts a new section 125D into the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980, which provides that certain warrants may be executed by a person even though the warrant is not in his possession at the time.

Section 97 amends the Maintenance Orders Act 1958^f1 and sections 83, 86(4) and 125(1) of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 to make provision for the cessation of warrants.