English Legal System: Lay Magistrates

Question 1

What are lay Magistrates?

Answer 1

Unpaid, part time judges who have no legal qualifications and hear cases in the Magistrates Court.

Question 2

What are the six key qualities required to be a candidate in lay magistrates?

Answer 2

Good character

understanding and communication

social awareness

maturity and sound temperament

sound judgement

commitment and reliability

Question 3

Lay magistrates must be aged between…

Answer 3

… 18 and 65 on appointment but must retire at age 70.

Question 4

what is the minimum amount of days lay magistrates expected to sit?

Answer 4

At least 26 half days each year.

Question 5

Who are restricted on appointment in lay magistrates?

Answer 5

Those with serious criminal convictions

Those whose work is incompatible with sitting as a lay magistrate, such as police officers.

Those who have impaired hearing

Those with relatives working in the local criminal justice system

Question 6

How are appointments made in lay Magistrates?

Answer 6

They are made by the Lord Chief Justice who delegates these powers to the senior presiding judge who relies on recommendations made by the local advisory committee.

Question 7

How are advertisements used for recruitment of lay magistrates?

Answer 7

Advertisements are used to encourage potential candidates, especially ethnic groups, to create a panel that is representative of all aspects of society.

Question 8

Who supervises the training of lay magistrates?

Answer 8

The magisterial committee of the judicial college.

Question 9

What is covered in the initial introductory training for a lay magistrate?

Answer 9

The organisation of the bench,

the administration of the court

and the role of those involved in the Magistrates Court.

Question 10

What is covered in the core training for a lay magistrate?

Answer 10

The skills and knowledge required of a competent magistrate.