Section A Part 1

Question 1

What is the primary role of magistrates in the UK legal system?

Answer 1

To hear and decide on summary criminal cases and some either-way offenses.

Question 2

True or False: Magistrates can impose prison sentences longer than twelve months.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

What is the maximum sentence a magistrate can impose?

Answer 3

Twelve months imprisonment for a single offense.

Question 4

Fill in the blank: Magistrates’ courts deal primarily with _______ cases.

Answer 4

summary

Question 5

What type of cases do magistrates primarily handle?

Answer 5

Summary and some either-way offenses.

Question 6

True or False: Magistrates are legally trained professionals.

Answer 6

False

Question 7

What is the minimum age requirement to become a magistrate?

Answer 7

18 years old.

Question 8

How many magistrates usually sit on a bench for a hearing?

Answer 8

Two or three.

Question 9

What is the role of the legal advisor in a magistrates’ court?

Answer 9

To provide legal guidance to the magistrates.

Question 10

What is the term for magistrates who are appointed to sit in the Youth Court?

Answer 10

Youth magistrates.

Question 11

True or False: Magistrates can conduct trials for serious criminal offenses.

Answer 11

False

Question 12

What is the purpose of a pre-sentence report in magistrates’ courts?

Answer 12

To assist magistrates in determining an appropriate sentence.

Question 13

Fill in the blank: The majority of criminal cases in England and Wales are dealt with in _______ courts.

Answer 13

magistrates’

Question 14

What is the function of the summary trial process in magistrates’ courts?

Answer 14

To resolve less serious offenses quickly and efficiently.

Question 15

What is the term for offenses that can be tried either in magistrates’ courts or crown courts?

Answer 15

Either-way offenses.

Question 16

What is one of the key advantages of magistrates’ courts?

Answer 16

They provide a quicker resolution of cases.

Question 17

True or False: Magistrates have the power to grant bail.

Answer 17

True

Question 18

What is a ‘committal hearing’?

Answer 18

A hearing to decide whether an either-way offense should be tried in the crown court.

Question 19

What is the role of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in magistrates’ courts?

Answer 19

To prosecute criminal cases on behalf of the state.

Question 20

Fill in the blank: Magistrates are expected to be _______ members of their communities.

Answer 20

unbiased

Question 21

What is the maximum fine a magistrate can impose for a summary offense?

Answer 21

Up to £5,000.

Question 22

True or False: Magistrates can hear civil cases.

Answer 22

False

Question 23

What is the name of the process by which magistrates decide the guilt or innocence of a defendant?

Answer 23

Trial.

Question 24

What do magistrates consider when deciding on a sentence?

Answer 24

The severity of the offense and the circumstances of the offender.

Question 25

Fill in the blank: The _______ is responsible for appointing magistrates.

Answer 25

Lord Chancellor

Question 26

What type of training do new magistrates undergo?

Answer 26

Induction training and ongoing training throughout their term.

Question 27

What is the minimum number of sittings a magistrate must attend to remain active?

Answer 27

At least 13 sittings a year.

Question 28

True or False: Magistrates can make decisions based on their personal beliefs.

Answer 28

False

Question 29

What is the role of the magistrates' clerk?

Answer 29

To assist magistrates with legal procedures and administrative tasks.

Question 30

Fill in the blank: A magistrate's decision is made based on the principle of _______.

Answer 30

beyond reasonable doubt

Question 31

What is meant by the term 'lay magistrates'?

Answer 31

Magistrates who are not legally trained but are appointed to serve.

Question 32

What is the significance of the 'Magistrates' Court Act 1980'?

Answer 32

It established the framework for the operation of magistrates' courts.

Question 33

What is the primary function of a jury in a criminal trial?

Answer 33

To determine the guilt or innocence of the defendant.

Question 34

True or False: Juries are used in both civil and criminal cases.

Answer 34

True.

Question 35

What is the minimum number of jurors required for a jury in England and Wales?

Answer 35

12 jurors.

Question 36

Fill in the blank: A jury's decision must be __________.

Answer 36

unanimous.

Question 37

What is the term for the process of selecting jurors?

Answer 37

Jury selection or voir dire.

Question 38

What is the legal age requirement to serve on a jury in the UK?

Answer 38

18 years old.

Question 39

True or False: Jurors are allowed to conduct their own research about the case.

Answer 39

False.

Question 40

What is the term for a jury's verdict in a criminal trial?

Answer 40

Verdict of guilty or not guilty.

Question 41

Which Act governs the use of juries in England and Wales?

Answer 41

The Juries Act 1974.

Question 42

What is one reason a juror may be disqualified from serving?

Answer 42

Being under 18 years old.

Question 43

What is the role of a foreman in a jury?

Answer 43

To lead the discussions and announce the verdict.

Question 44

True or False: Jurors can be questioned about their deliberations after the trial.

Answer 44

False.

Question 45

What is the maximum number of jurors that can be empaneled for a trial?

Answer 45

12 jurors.

Question 46

Fill in the blank: A jury's decision is known as a __________.

Answer 46

verdict.

Question 47

What is the significance of the 'right to a jury trial'?

Answer 47

It protects against arbitrary government action.

Question 48

What is the term for a trial without a jury?

Answer 48

Bench trial.

Question 49

True or False: Jurors are paid for their service.

Answer 49

True.

Question 50

What is an example of a case where a jury would not be used?

Answer 50

A family law case.

Question 51

What does the term 'jury tampering' refer to?

Answer 51

Illegally influencing a juror's decision.

Question 52

What is the consequence if a jury cannot reach a unanimous decision?

Answer 52

A hung jury.

Question 53

What is the purpose of jury instructions?

Answer 53

To guide jurors on the law applicable to the case.

Question 54

What is a 'challenge for cause' in jury selection?

Answer 54

A request to dismiss a juror for a specific reason.

Question 55

What is a 'peremptory challenge'?

Answer 55

A dismissal of a juror without stating a reason.

Question 56

True or False: All jurors must be from the same geographical area as the trial.

Answer 56

True.

Question 57

What is the role of the judge in a jury trial?

Answer 57

To oversee the legal process and ensure a fair trial.

Question 58

What is meant by 'jury nullification'?

Answer 58

When a jury decides to acquit a defendant despite evidence of guilt.

Question 59

Fill in the blank: Jurors must base their decisions on __________.

Answer 59

evidence presented at trial.

Question 60

What happens if a juror is found to have misconducted themselves?

Answer 60

They may be held in contempt of court.

Question 61

What is the term for the written record of a jury's deliberations?

Answer 61

There is no official written record.

Question 62

True or False: Jurors can discuss the case publicly after the trial concludes.

Answer 62

True, but they are often discouraged from doing so.

Question 63

What is the 'jury pool'?

Answer 63

The group of potential jurors from which a jury is selected.

Question 64

What is the primary purpose of having a jury?

Answer 64

To ensure community participation in the justice system.