The District Courts Association (DCA) was formed in 1980 with the main aim of assisting Justices to perform their public duties efficiently and effectively. Membership was open to the Justices Committee of each Commission area of Scotland, and each may nominate one Justice to serve on the Policy Committee. The DCA was financed by annual subscriptions from each area. Associate Membership was open to Clerks of Court from each area.
The DCA produced training programmes, an annual weekend training seminars well as various one-day conferences. Good practice guidelines designed to assist Justices in court procedures and behaviour were put in place and a District Court Charter.
A newsletter “The Scottish Justice” was produced, and this newsletter has continued to be produced by the Scottish Justices Association. The DCA was wound up in May 2007 as the Court Unification process was under way.