Judges

• What are lay magistrates also known as?


  Justices of peace
• What is the primary role of lay magistrates?


  To listen to evidence and ensure trials are conducted fairly
• What is the age range for someone to be eligible to be a magistrate?


  18 to 74 years old
• What is required for a magistrate to be eligible?


  They must be a registered elector
• How many half days must magistrates work in a year?


  13 half days
• Why is diversity important among magistrates?


  To ensure a fair trial
• How many magistrates are typically on a bench?


  Three magistrates
• What powers do magistrates have in court?


  To decide on guilt or innocence and impose sentences
• In which areas of law do magistrates work?


  Family law, granting warrants, music licenses, bail applications, and hearing summary offences
• What is the role of judges in a criminal trial of first instance?


  To explain the law to the jury and decide issues of evidence/procedure
• What is the function of the Judicial Appointments Commission?


  To select judges based on qualifications and experience
• What is the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?


  Only appellate jurisdiction
• How many justices typically hear cases in the Supreme Court?


  12 justices
• What type of cases does the Supreme Court primarily deal with?


  Cases involving a point of law of general or public importance
• What is the role of the Lord Justices of Appeal?


  To hear all appeals in both criminal and civil law
• How many applications do Lord Justices of Appeal typically receive?


  2000 applications
• What is the binding nature of decisions made by the Lord Justices of Appeal?


  Decisions are binding for lower courts
• What is the primary jurisdiction of High Court judges?


  Majority civil jurisdiction
• What is the role of Circuit judges?


  To preside over jury trials in the Crown Court
• What is the role of Recorders in the judicial system?


  Part-time judges appointed for 5 years
• How many days a year do Recorders typically sit?


  30 days a year
• What type of matters do Recorders handle in the Crown Court?


  Less complex and serious matters
• What is the lowest level of criminal court judges?

  District judges
• What is the role of District judges in the magistrates' court?


  To sit alone and decide both the facts and the law
• What are the different types of judges in the judicial system?

  • Superior judges:
  • Justices of the Supreme Court
  • Lord Justices of Appeal
  • High Court judges
  • Inferior judges:
  • Circuit judges
  • Recorders
  • District judges
• What are the key responsibilities of judges in criminal trials?


  • Apply law impartially and fairly
  • Explain law to the jury
  • Decide issues of evidence/procedure
  • Pass sentence
• What is the process for selecting judges in the UK?

  1. Judicial Appointments Commission advertises posts
  2. Interviews applicants
  3. Forwards recommendations to the Lord Chancellor