magistrates Flashcards
how many magistrates are appointed every year
1200
what are the six key qualities one needs to demonstrate to become a magistrate
- sound judgement
- social awareness
- understanding and communication
- commitment and reliability
- maturity and a sound temperament
- a good character
what are the five factors that will restrict appointment
any serious criminal convictions conditions such as hearing impairments MPs police officers/ guards undischarged bankrupts
what age category do you have to be within to be appointed as a magistrate
18-65
what is expected of magistrates in terms of their location
they are expected to live or work near or at their local justice area
how are magistrates paid
they are not paid for their service- only expenses are paid
how much does a magistrate work in a year
26 half days annually
who else will sit in a magistrates court
the district judge
who appoints magistrates and how do they do it
the senior presiding judge who makes decisions annually based on recommendations from the local advisory committees.
how many members are in a local advisory committee and who will this consist of
a maximum of twelve members, a mixture of magistrates and non magistrates
what is the intention of local advisory committees
to create a diverse panel that represents all aspects of society
how must you apply to become a magistrate
you must apply directly to your local advisory committee and only if they are recruiting
what process to aspiring magistrates have to undergo
an interview
what three things will be covered in the interview
- they will grasp an idea of the persons personal attribute, looking for the six key qualities
- ask their opinion on criminal offences ie dink driving
- discuss a scenario similar to one that might occur in a magistrates court, like sentencing
what percentage of magistrates are female
56%
