lay people Flashcards
what are lay people
non qualified people who work in court system
what criteria must lay magistrates meet
- aged 18-65
- retire by 70
- live in area serving
- commit to 26 days a year
what must a lay magistrate not have
- previous convictions
- unpaid bankrupts
- be a member of forces
- relatives working in justice system
- impaired hearing
what are the 3 stages in magistrate selective process
appointment,selection,local advisory committee
what is the local advisory committee stage
place advertisements round area for candidates
what is the selection stage
fill in form and give names of 2 referees
what is the appointment stage
interview candidates and submit names to judge
what do lay magistrates do
deal with criminal cases mostly, they can grant search/arrest warrants
what do magistrates do in summary offences
hear evidence/legal arguments and decide on verdict
what are the restrictions in summary offence verdicts
max 6 months imprisonment/unlimited fine
what do magistrates do in triable either way offences
deal with plea before venue hearing
what do magistrates do in indictable offences
hold early hearing before sending case to crown court
what do youth courts hear
cases involving 10-17 year olds with formal/informal hearings
what are jurors
12 members of a jury who decide verdicts by a unanimous decision
what must jury members be
- over 18
- be on election roll
- live in uk for at least 5 years after 13th bday
