Magistrates

Question 1

Lay magistrates

Answer 1

-17500 in magistrates court
-must have good character
-between 18 and 65 can sit till 70
-3% below 40
-live local to court (reliable)
-prepared to sit 26 half days a year

Question 2

Selection

Answer 2

-700 new appointed each year
-since 2003 appointed by lord chief justice currently delegated to senior presiding judge
-relies on recommendations from local advisory committees
-encourage people of all backgrounds to apply

Question 3

Interviews (two stages)

Answer 3

-first at personal attributes
-second at candidates judicial aptitude by discussing 2 case studies
-advisory committees show lord chief justice

Question 4

Composition of the bench

Answer 4

-53% are women
-11% are from ethnic minorities
-4% have a disability

Question 5

Role of magistrates

Answer 5

-deal with summary and triable either way
-deal with 95% of cases
-Youth court (10-17) one man one woman
-appeals from magistrates two lay and judge.

Question 6

The magistrates clerk

Answer 6

-advises magistrates on law
-qualified soliciter/barrister