The Role of Magistrates

Question 1

There are approximately…

Answer 1

16,000 Magistrates in 330 Magistrate’s courts

Question 2

They are unpaid and…

Answer 2

sit as a bench of 2 or 3

Question 3

Magistrate’s try…

Answer 3

94% of all criminal cases

Question 4

The other 6% of cases heard are at….

Answer 4

preliminary level

Question 5

Magistrate’s hear trials for…

Answer 5

summary and the majority of triable either way offences

Question 6

Magistrate’s decide…

Answer 6

if the D is guilty or not guilty and pass the verdict

Question 7

Sentencing power of Magistrate’s

Answer 7

If they do not have enough sentencing powers they will send up to Crown Court for a higher sentence

Question 8

Max sentence a Magistrate can give is…

Answer 8

6 months for one offence, 12 months for two offences

Question 9

Preliminary Hearings 1

Answer 9

Early administrative hearing =
D gets to tell court facts of the case. Facts are recorded before main trial

Question 10

Preliminary Hearings 2

Answer 10

Bail applications =
D applies to be released from custody before trial

Question 11

Preliminary Hearings 3

Answer 11

Remand Hearings =
D stays in remand whilst waiting for 2nd bail application to be approved

Question 12

Youth Court

Answer 12

Some Magistrate’s trained to deal with young offenders aged between 10-17 years
Sit in YC and have a panel inc at least 1 man & woman

Question 13

Magistrate’s clerk!

Answer 13

every bench is assisted by a clerk also known as a legal advisor
must be a qualified solicitor/barrister for at least 5 years.
advise law to magistrates