Magistrates Flashcards
1
Q
Summary of Magistrates
A
- Volunteer judges
- Justices of the Peace (JP’s)
- Unpaid
- Not legally qualified
2
Q
What is the role of Magistrates?
A
- Hear less serious cases or send serious cases to crown court
- Grant warrants
3
Q
What is the role of magistrates at trial?
A
- find D innocent or guilty
- Decide by majority or unanimous decision
- Impose sentence (Max 12 months)
4
Q
What Qualifies someone to be a Magistrate (excluding the 6 key qualities)
A
- 16-65 years old
- Expected to serve at least 5 years
- Expected available for 13 days/26 half days per year
- No declared bankruptcy/driving bans
- No conflicts of interest
5
Q
What are the 6 Key Qualities a magistrate should have?
A
- Good character
- Understanding + communication
- Social awareness
- Maturity
- Sound Judgement
- Commitment + reliability
6
Q
Advantages of Magistrates
A
- Relatively inexpensive
- Representative of population
- Local knowledge
7
Q
Disadvantages of Magistrates
A
- Unrepresentative in age
- Inconsistent in sentencing
