Lay Magistrates

Question 1

How many

Answer 1

17500

Question 2

What are they

Answer 2

Unpaid, part time
(Justices of the peace)
Bench of 2 or 3
Can issue search warrants

Question 3

Six key qualities

Answer 3

Good character 
Understanding and good communication
Social awareness
Maturity and sound temperament
Sound judgment
Commitment and reliability

Question 4

3 judicial qualities

Answer 4

Make reasoned decisions
Assimilate factual information
Work as team

Question 5

How old can they sit as magistrates

Answer 5

70

Question 6

Appointed aged between

Answer 6

18 and 65

Question 7

Area

Answer 7

Expected to live or work within or near local justice area

Question 8

Cases are heard in the area where:

Answer 8

The offence is alleged to have been committed
The person charged with the offence lives
Where the majority of witnesses are
Other cases of similar issues are being dealt with

Question 9

How many days should they expect to sit for

Answer 9

26 half day

Question 10

6 people who are not eligible to be appointmented

Answer 10

Serious criminal convicts
Undischarged bankrupts
Members of forces
Police or traffic wardens
Relatives
Impaired hearing

Question 11

How many are appointed a year

Answer 11

700

Question 12

Who appoints them

Answer 12

Lord Chief Justice

But atm senior presiding judge

Question 13

Who recommends to judge

Answer 13

Local advisory committees

Question 14

Local advisory committees have how many people in each

Answer 14

12

Question 15

Who are in local advisory committees

Answer 15

Ex justices of peace

Magistrates and non magistrates

Question 16

First interview

Answer 16

Find out personal attributes

6 key qualities

Question 17

Second interview

Answer 17

Test potential judicial aptitude

Case studies

Question 18

Traditional image

Answer 18

Middle class middle aged middle minded

Question 19

How much percent of them are minority groups

Answer 19

53 women
11 ethnic
4 disability

Question 20

Which criminal cases do they deal with

Answer 20

All summary
Triable either way if defending chooses
These account for 94% of all criminal cases

Question 21

What 6 things do they do

Answer 21

All preliminary work
Remand hearings (later dates)
Bail applications
If pleads NG they hold trial and decide
Power to sentence
First hearing of indictable offences that then get sent to crown

Question 22

How long can the sentence prison

Answer 22

6 months one offence

12 months two offences

Question 23

4 types of sentencing powers

Answer 23

Community orders
Fines
Conditional or absolute discharge
Disqualify driving

Question 24

Appeal hearings

Answer 24

Sit at crown court to heard appeals
2 lay justices not in original case sit with qualified judge
Decide G or NG
Decide sentence if G

Question 25

Youth court

Answer 25

Specially trained justices
10-17 offenders
One man and one woman

Question 26

3 parts of training syllabus

Answer 26

Initial introductory training
Core training
Activities

Question 27

Appraisal

Answer 27

In first 2 years some sessions will be mentored

Should attend training courses

Question 28

Magistrates clerk

Answer 28

Every bench is assisted by one
Legal advisor
Qualified barrister/solicitor for 5 years
Guide mags

Question 29

6 advantages of lay magistrates

Answer 29

Cross section of society 
Local knowledge
Cost 
Training
Legal advisor 
Few appeals

Question 30

4 Disadvantages of lay magistrates

Answer 30

Middle aged middle class
Inconsistency in sentencing
Reliance on clerk
Prosecution bias (believe police)