Magistrates Flashcards
What are magistrates?
Volunteer judges with no legal qualifications.
What does the role of magistrates involve?
Hearing less serious cases
Bail decisions
Issuing warrants
What does a clerk do?
Offers the magistrate legal advice and ensures everything runs smoothly in a hearing.
What does the youth court within the magistrates court consist of?
Specially trained magistrates with one man and one woman on the bench.
What is the eligibility criteria for magistrates?
Must be aged between 18 and 65
Available for 13 days or 26 half-days
Why might someone not be able to become a magistrate?
Criminal convictions
Banned from driving
Conflict of interest
What are the 6 key qualities of magistrates?
Good character
Understanding and communication
Social awareness
Maturity
Sound judgement
Commitment and reliability
What is the selection and appointment for magistrates?
Apply at home or work area
Fill in application form
1st and 2nd interviews
Appointed by Lord Chancellor
Who is the 1st interview with?
Local advisory committee.
What happens in the 2nd interview?
Case examples are discussed and background checks are completed.
What are the 5 stages of training for magistrates?
Initial introductory training
Mentoring
Core training
Consolidation training
First appraisal
What are advantages of magistrates?
Cheap because they are unpaid
Diverse range of people
Local knowledge
What are disadvantages of magistrates?
Unrepresentative in terms of age
Inconsistency in decision making
Over-reliance on clerks
