lay magistrates Flashcards
1
Q
lay magistrates
A
- sit in the magistrates court
- around 175000 sitting as part time judges
2
Q
composition of the bench today
A
- 53% women
- 11% ethnic minorities
- 4% disabled people
3
Q
qualifications
A
- none
- receive full training
- must be aged 18-65
4
Q
how are they appointed?
A
- by a local advisory committee (a structured way for citizens to share their opinions and perspectives)
5
Q
training
A
- mandatory training of around three and a half days
6
Q
people who can’t be magistrates
A
- criminals
- relatives of judicial professionals
- those with severe disabilities
- police officers
7
Q
role
A
- decides whether the defendant is guilty or not
- passes an appropriate sentence
- deals with the first hearing of indictable offences
