role of lay magistrates

• the chairman will be the only magistrate to directly address the court
• the bench of magistrates is supported by a legal adviser who can advise on the relevant law only
• magistrates try 95% of criminal cases
• the magistrates will hear all evidence alongside legal arguments and witness accounts
• magistrates decide guilt/innocence upon the basis of arguments
• magistrates can undertake specialist training to serve on the youth/family court