Lay Magistrates

Question 1

What is a lay magistrate?

Answer 1

Legally unqualified volunteer citizens who work as paid judges in MC and youth court.
Deal with majority of cases.

Question 2

Qualifications of a lay magistrate

Answer 2

-good character
-understanding and communication
-social awareness
-maturity
-sound judgement
-commitment and reliability (26 half days/13 full days)

Question 3

Selection + appointment of lay magistrates

Answer 3

-application form (after going to MC to see what happens)
-applicant may also be nominated by local political parties/voluntary groups
-application sent to local advisory committee who:
-check eligibility + contact references
-interview candidates
-Lord Chief Justice appoints
-Swear on oath

Question 4

Lay magistrates

Answer 4

-don’t need legal qualifications
-between 18-65 on appointment (unusual to be younger than 25=inexperience)
-must live/work in local area (near MC)
-prepared to sit at least 26 half days a year
-not have any serious criminal convictions

Question 5

Role of lay magistrates

Answer 5

-usually sit in panels of 3
-try summary + relevant TEW offences
-preliminary hearings
-sentencing guilty defendants