Dumbarton Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Court are co-located on Church Street next to the Burgh Hall. This fine classical two-storey U-plan building was constructed in sandstane ashlar in 1824-25 to designs by architect James Gillespie Graham (1776 - 1855). It features a prominent pediment, advanced central bay and paired Ionic pilasters at the upper level. In 1862, it was extended by adding flanking wings designed by William Spence (1806-83), and was further extended to the rear in 1895 and 1898. Behind was a prison also by Gillespie Graham, which was enlarged in 1840, but went out of use in 1883 and was demolished in 1973.
The Sheriff Court building was refurbished and extended in 2009. Operated by the Scottish Court Service, it now serves the towns of Dumbarton, Clydebank, Bearsden, Milngavie and Helensburgh, together with surrounding areas. At the same time, a Justice of the Peace Court was established in the same building.
The building has been B-Listed since 1971 for its architectural merit.
