Describw The Selection And Appointment Of Lay Magistrates Flashcards
What is the age requirement for lay magistrates upon appointment?
Magistrates must be aged between 18 and 74 upon appointment and must retire from the bench at the age of 75.
What is the local justice area?
The local justice area is where magistrates must live or work, providing them insight into local crime patterns.
How many days per year must lay magistrates be prepared to sit?
They must be prepared to sit for at least 26 half days per year.
Who is disqualified from becoming a lay magistrate?
Disqualified individuals include those with serious criminal convictions, undischarged bankrupts, those with incompatible jobs, and relatives of those with incompatible jobs.
What jobs are considered incompatible with the role of a lay magistrate?
Incompatible jobs include those in the criminal justice system, such as police, lawyers, and judges.
What are the eligibility criteria regarding health for lay magistrates?
Individuals who are hearing impaired or infirm are not eligible to be appointed.
What is the first step in the selection process for lay magistrates?
The selection process begins with an advertisement on the Ministry of Justice website, in newspapers, or on the radio.
What does the Local Advisory Committee do during the selection process?
The Local Advisory Committee reviews applications and conducts interviews to assess candidates’ qualities.
What are the 6 key qualities assessed by the Local Advisory Committee?
The qualities are good character, understanding and communication, social awareness, maturity and sound temperament, sound judgement, commitment, and reliability.
What happens if a candidate is successful in the first interview?
If successful, the candidate is invited to a second interview where case studies are presented to test judicial aptitude.
What is the final step in the appointment process for lay magistrates?
The Local Advisory Committee recommends suitable candidates to the Lord Chief Justice, who designates the appointment to the Senior Presiding Judge under the Crime and Courts Act 2003.
How is the candidate sworn in ?
At a local court the candidate will then be sworn in by swearing an Oath of Allegiance to the Queen and to the court to carry out theory duties without fear or favour
