Magistrates

Question 1

What is the process?

Answer 1

• 1200 magistrates are appointed every year
• Candidate has to go through a two step interview process
• The first interview is to look at the candidates personality and if they have the six key qualities
• The second interview is aimed at testing the candidates potential judgement which is done via discussions

Question 2

What Is the role of the magistrates?

Answer 2

• Magistrates will try 97% oof all criminal cases
  -They can grant search warrants and arrest warrants to the police in extreme cases, can request for an extension in police custody unto a maximum 96 hours
• In summary offences, they will deal with the case from start to end, they will hear evidence from the prosecution and decide if D is guilty or non guilty
  -In triable either way offences, magistrates deal with plea before venue hearrings
• In indictable offences magistrates hold an early administrative nearing before transferring it to the crown court
• The youth curt is made up of specially nominated and trained magistrates to hear criminal charges against young offenders
• Magistrates can also sit in crown court to hear appeals from the magistrates court against conviction and/or sentence

Question 3

What are the qualifications?

Answer 3

• must be aged between 18 and 65 and must retire at 80
• They are expected to live or work in an area within or near to the area they have been allocated
• There are 6 key qualities they must have; good character, understanding and communication, social awareness, maturity and sound temperament,sound judgement , commitment and reliability

Question 4

How are they appointed?

Answer 4

• The local advisory will submit the names of those who are suitable to the senior presiding judge
• The judge will appoint these new magistrates from the list