Role Of Magistrates

Question 1

There are

Answer 1

16,000 magistrates sitting as unpaid part time judges in the 330 MagistrateCourts

Question 2

They try

Answer 2

94% of all criminal cases and the other 6% at a preliminary level as indictable offences will be transfered to crown court

Question 3

Hear trials for

Answer 3

Summary and the majority of triable either way offences. Their role is to decide guilty or not guilty and pass a verdict

Question 4

Have a role of passing sentence

Answer 4

Maximum sentence is unlimited fine.
6 month for 1 offence
12 month for 2 offence

Question 5

Early Administrative hearing

Answer 5

D gets to court tell what the facts of the case are. Facts are recorded before main trial

Question 6

Bail application

Answer 6

The defence will make an application for d to be granted bail or released from custody

Question 7

Remand hearing

Answer 7

If bail is refused, D makes an application whilst considered D will stay in remand

Question 8

Some are trained

Answer 8

Deal with young offenders aged 10 to 17 years. Sit in youth court to hear cases and pannel must 1 man 1 women

Question 9

Also sit in crown court

Answer 9

2 magistrates form a pannel with a qualified judge. Hear all the evidence again and pass verdict and sentence if required.

Question 10

Hear warrant application from police

Answer 10

Sigh warrant to give police permission to search private property. Hear application to extend suspect detention from 36 hours to 96 hours.