magistrates Flashcards
What is meant by the term “lay” people?
People who are not legally trained
What qualifies a person to become a Magistrate?
- They must be between 18-65 years old
- They need to live in or near the local justice area where they serve as a magistrate
- they need to commit to sitting at least 26 half days a year
Name the 6 qualities sought in a prospective Magistrate:
1) self awareness
2) communicate with sensitivity and respect
3) understand and appreciate different perspectives
4) make fair, impartial and transparent decisions
5) good character
6) work and engage with people professionally
Who cannot serve as Magistrates?
Convicted Person, Blind/Deaf person, Bankrupt person, serving soldier, law enforcement officers
Where does a Magistrate apply?
directgov website or by post
Who then creates a shortlist and checks references?
The Local Advisory Committee (LAC)
Who is on the interview panel?
2 magistrates and 1 other
What is the purpose of the first interview?
It examines their character and assesses them on the 6 qualities.
What is the purpose of the second interview?
To see how applicant handles trial ad sentence exercises
Candidates are reviewed by the LAC to ensure a _____ _____
Balanced Bench
The committee submits its recommendations to the ___ _____ ______
Lord Chief Justice
