Magistrates

• no legal qualifications needed
• ages 18-74 (must retire at 75)
• good character
• understanding and communication
• social awareness
• maturity and sound temperament
• sound judgement
• commitment and reliability
• 1500 appointments each year by Lord Chief Justice
• local advisory committees recommend to lord chief justice based on interviews
• can apply online through adverts
• 2 interviews
• 1st interview based off the 6 characteristics
• 2nd interview is a practical test with case studies
• sit for 13 full days or 26 half days per year
• can issue bail, sentencing, summary offences and some triable either way offences if they have jurisdiction
• issue search and arrest warrants, extend detention periods for suspects at police station
• youth and family courts require extra training
• sit in crown court to appeals from mags court alongside the judge
• legal advisor can advise mags on practice and procedure and clarifies areas of law