Magistrates

• Role of Magistrates

  ● Sit as bench of three and hear cases in the Magistrates’ Court

  ● Hear all summary offences and some triable either-way offences (97% of all cases)

  ● Deal with preliminary matters in indictable offences

  ● Issue search and arrest warrants to police

  ● Deal with bail applications

  ● Specially trained Mags sit in Youth Court and Family Court
• Qualification of Magistrates

  Basic qualifications:

  ● Age18–65

  ● Live / work near the Magistrates’ Court ('local justice area’)

  ● Six key qualities (e.g. understanding, commitment and sound judgement) Disqualification:

  ● Serious criminal conviction, undischarged bankruptcy, or have an incompatible job (e.g. policeman)
• Selection of Magistrates

  ● Aim is to select a ‘balanced bench’ (representative of society), so adverts can be targeted (e.g. buses to encourage working class to apply)

  Two interviews conducted by the Local Advisory Committee (LAC):

  1. Focus on six key qualities (e.g. sound judgment, communication and understanding).

  2. Focus on judicial skills (given two case studies to test judgment)

  ● LAC send names of successful candidates to the Lord Chief Justice, who appoints new Mags on behalf

  of the King

  ● New Mags swear an oath