Magistrates

• known as


  Justices of the peace
• usually sat in


  2s or 3s
• can sit in three different courts

  1. Youth

  2. Magistrates

  3. Crown
• Role of magistrates


  Prelim hearing

  Admin

  Youth

  Sentencing

  Appeals

  No of cases

  Decide verdict
• Qualifications - Age


  18-65
• Qualifications - Area


  Only sit as the magistrate in their local area
• Qualifications - Days


  26.5 half days
• Qualities (3)


  1. Of good character

  2. Good understanding and communication

  3. Reliability
• Qualities (proofs)


  1. Need character statements

  2. Need basic intellectual skills

  3. Need good attendance to other commitments
• Qualities established by and how many

  By the Lord Chancellor, 6 key qualities
• Apply to?


  Local Advisory Committee (LAC)
• First interview


  Assess attitudes on issues such as youth crime to gain insight into character, and check for 6 key qualities.
• Second Interview


  Judicial aptitude test. Assess legal judgement.
• LAC recommend applicants to who?

  the Senior Presiding judge.
• Representative statistics


  45% men

  11% ethnic minority

  4% disabled
• Where are they sworn in

  local Crown Court