Magistrates

• In which court do Superior judges sit?

  Superior Court
• Who is the head of the Judiciary?


  The Lord Chief Justice
• Where do circuit judges sit?


  Circuit Courts
• How many years’ experience in a Superior court do you need to become a Justice of the Supreme Court?


  At least 10 years
• How many years’ experience do you need to become a Lord Justice of Appeal?


  At least 7 years
• Can you choose a division to work in if you become a High Court Judge?


  No, you cannot choose a division
• How were judges historically selected?


  Judges were historically appointed based on patronage
• How are judges now selected?

  Judges are now selected through a formal application process
• Where are judges trained?

  Judicial College
• Which group of judges have compulsory training?

  Magistrates
• At what age do judges have to retire?

  75 years old
• What are the key qualities required for magistrates?


  • Good character
  • Understanding and communication
  • Social awareness
  • Maturity and sound temperament
  • Sound judgement
  • Commitment and reliability
• What is the age range for appointment as a magistrate?


  Between 18 and 74 years old
• What is expected of magistrates in terms of local knowledge?


  Magistrates are expected to live or work in the area nearby
• How many half days are magistrates expected to sit each year?


  At least 26 half days
• What restrictions are there for magistrate appointments?


  Serious criminal convictions, occupational disqualifications, and close ties to the local justice system
• How many new magistrate appointments are made each year?

  700 new appointments
• Who recommends magistrate appointments?

  Local Advisory Committees
• What is the focus of interviews for magistrate appointments?


  The qualities and judicial skills of applicants
• What does the Judicial College provide for magistrates' training?


  • Initial Introductory Training
  • Core Training
  • Activities (court observations, prison visits)
  • Ongoing training for competence monitoring
• What is the role of new magistrates during their first two years?


  New magistrates sit as 'wingers' and are observed by mentors
• What percentage of cases do magistrates mainly deal with criminal law matters?


  96% of cases
• What are some duties of magistrates in criminal law?


  Verdict and sentence, early administrative hearings, and pre-trial hearings
• What is the retirement age for magistrates?


  75 years old
• Under what circumstances can magistrates be removed?


  Incapacity, misbehaviour, or persistent failure
• What are the advantages of having magistrates?


  1. Wider cross-section of society
  2. Local knowledge
  3. Cost-effective
  4. Legally qualified clerks
  5. Fewer successful appeals
• What are the disadvantages of having magistrates?


  1. Unrepresentative of society
  2. Prosecution bias
  3. Inconsistency in sentencing
  4. Reliance on the clerk
  5. Slower decision-making
• What is the cost difference between trials in magistrates' courts and Crown Courts?


  £1,700 in magistrates' courts, £17,500 in Crown Courts
• How many cases are outstanding in the Crown Court?

  Approximately 61,000 cases
• How many cases are outstanding in the magistrates’ courts?

  More than 364,000 cases
• What is the role of the Lord Chief Justice?


  The head of the Judiciary
• What specific training programs do magistrates undergo?


  Initial Introductory Training, Core Training, and ongoing training
• How are new magistrates monitored during their first two years?


  They are observed by mentors during court sessions
• What specific duties do magistrates perform in civil law?


  Family Proceedings Court and Civil Debt Claims
• What are the implications of magistrates' decisions on the legal system?


  They can affect the outcomes of cases and public perception of justice
• What is the historical context of judicial selection?


  Judges were historically appointed based on patronage
• What impact do local advisory committees have on judicial appointments?


  They recommend candidates for magistrate appointments
• What is the significance of ongoing training for magistrates?


  It ensures they remain competent and updated with new legislation
• What is the relationship between magistrates and clerks in court proceedings?


  Clerks support magistrates by explaining points of law
• What are the statistics on the demographics of magistrates compared to judges?


  More than 56% of magistrates are women compared to 32% of judges