Magistrates

Question 1

What is the criteria of magistrates?

Answer 1

• aged 18-70
• the need must be taken into account for a balanced bench
• certain professions are ineligible
• if you are on bankrupt list or have criminal conviction you are ineligible

Question 2

What are the 6 qualifications of a magistrates

Answer 2

• good character
• understanding and communication
• social awareness
• sound temperament and maturity
• sound judgment
• commitment and reliability

Question 3

What does magistrates second interview consist of?

Answer 3

• practical decision making activities
• successful candidates will be passed unto the Lord Chief Justice
• who then recommends them for an appointment with the lord chancellor

Question 4

What is the role of magistrates?

Answer 4

• 2 jp’s sit with a judge in the crown court to hear appeals from the magistrates court
• sit in youth court and here all crimes except serious ones
• bail hearings, granting arrest and search warrant
• must sit minimum of 26 half days

Question 5

What are the sentencing powers of magistrates?

Answer 5

• £5000 for single offence

- up to 6 months custody

Question 6

What’s an advantage of magistrates?

Answer 6

• represent and have more knowledge of local community than judges
• 1000 of commuted volunteers
• bench of 3 allows for balanced view

Question 7

What’s a disadvantage of magistrates?

Answer 7

• to many middle-aged and middle-classed people appointed
• become case hardened
• criticised for believing police version of events too readily

Question 8

How are magistrates appointed?

Answer 8

• apply to the magistrates court
• applications are then sifted by the local advisory committee who then invite applicants for interview based on criteria