Lay People

Question 1

What is the definition of lay magistrates?

Answer 1

Unpaid part time judges who have no professional legal qualifications

Question 2

How many lay Magistrates are in the UK?

Answer 2

17,500

Question 3

What are the 6 key qualities magistrates need

Answer 3

-Good character
-Understanding + communication
-social awareness
-maturity + sound temperament
-Sound judgement
-commitment and reliability

Question 4

Where can magistrates work?

Answer 4

England and Wales are divided into local justice areas and they must live or work near/in the area they’re allocated to

Question 5

How many days must a magistrate work a year?

Answer 5

26 half days

Question 6

What makes someone ineligible to be a magistrate?

Answer 6

Someone with serious criminal Offences
Police/ army
Close relatives of those working in the CJS
Those with Impaired hearing

Question 7

How many magistrates are appointed each year?

Answer 7

1200

Question 8

What age can a magistrate sit till?

Answer 8

70

Question 9

What is the local advisory committee?

Answer 9

They make recommendations of magistrates it is made up on the Lord chief justice and senior judges