Qualifications of Magistrates

Question 1

Lay Magistrates must be aged between…

Answer 1

18-70

Question 2

They must live or work in…

Answer 2

the local justice area

Question 3

Don’t need any qualifications in law but do need certain attributes to be appointed.

Six Key Qualities;

Answer 3

1. good character
2. understanding & communication
3. social awareness
4. maturity & sound temperament
5. sound judgement
6. commitment & reliability

Question 4

must have certain judicial qualities too e.g

Answer 4

• must be able to work as a team
• assimilate factual info & make reasoned decisions

Question 5

Magistrates must be committed to work…

Answer 5

26 half days per year

Question 6

Who can’t be a Magistrate;

Answer 6

1. those with serious convictions
2. people who are bankrupt
3. those who work in forces (police)
4. close relatives on same bench