Magistrates

Question 1

What else are they known as?

Answer 1

Justices of peace

Question 2

What% of criminal cases do mags try?

Answer 2

97%

Question 3

How many mags sit at court bench?

Answer 3

3

Question 4

What matters can be decided by a single mag?

Answer 4

Bail

Warrants

Question 5

Duties in a criminal court?

Answer 5

Try all summary cases
Some TEW
First hearing of indictable cases
Bail applications, remand hearings,EAH, issuing warrants for arrest
Youth court
Nora bene at crown court (2 lay mags and 1 judge - hear appeals)

Question 6

Duties in civil courts?

Answer 6

Enforce council tax demands (gas, electricity)
Family cases (protection against violence)
Proceedings regarding the welfare of children
Appeal against the refusal of licenses to sell alcohol

Question 7

Minimum number of days they sit?

Answer 7

26 half days

13 days

Question 8

Age requirement?

Answer 8

18-65

Question 9

6 qualities

Answer 9

Good character
Good understanding and communication skills
Social awareness 
Mature and of sound temperament
Sound judgment 
Committed and reliable

Question 10

Name 4 reasons why someone couldn’t be appointed as a magistrate?

Answer 10

Criminal convictions Undischarged bankrupts
Member of armed forces
Police

Question 11

Who selects mags?

Answer 11

Local Advisory Committee

12 people

Question 12

5 qualities the bench must have to be balanced?

Answer 12

Occupation
Age
Gender
Ethnicity
Political alignment

Question 13

What age did they retire?

Answer 13

70 it can still sign documents

Question 14

How many lay magistrates are there in England and Wales who work as unpaid workers?

Answer 14

30,000

Question 15

What is the bench of 3 made up of?

Answer 15

Chairperson and two wingers

Question 16

Why don’t mags need legal qualification?

Answer 16

There is a legal advisor on hand to advise law and procedure

Question 17

What do mags work upon?

Answer 17

Criminal and civil matters

Question 18

What do mags have in both adult and youth courts?

Answer 18

Jurisdiction

Question 19

What is jurisdiction?

Answer 19

Official power to make legal decisions and judgements

Question 20

What age do youth courts deal with?

Answer 20

10 - 17

Question 21

If the D pleads guilty what must mags do?

Answer 21

Pass an appropriate sentence

Question 22

Example of a sentence from a mag?

Answer 22

Discharge to 12 months in prison for a single offence

Question 23

Who do mags sit with at crown court?

Answer 23

Judge

Question 24

What do mags hear at crown court?

Answer 24

Appeals from mags court against conviction or sentence

Question 25

Example of civil matter?

Answer 25

People who have not paid their council tax or fines

Question 26

Why may mags undergo further training in family matters?

Answer 26

They can deal with residence and contact orders regarding children

Question 27

Can mags resign anytime?

Answer 27

Yes

Question 28

Can a mag be removed?

Answer 28

Yes

Question 29

Who can remove a mag?

Answer 29

He minster for constitutional affairs

Question 30

Why may a mag be removed?

Answer 30

Misbehaviour, incompetence, neglect of responsibilities, incapacity

Question 31

Do mags need to have a British certificate?

Answer 31

No but must swear allegiance to the queen

Question 32

Why should potential mags be in good health?

Answer 32

So they can carry out necessary duties

Question 33

Are people with disabilities encouraged to apply?

Answer 33

Yes

Question 34

Why is someone who is an undischarged bankrupt dot appointed to be a magistrate?

Answer 34

The public are unlikely to have confidence in him or her