What exactly do Magistrates do?
Magistrates, also
known as Justices of the Peace, carry out their
duties locally and deal with most criminal cases.
They consider the evidence in each case and reach
a verdict. If a defendant is found guilty, or
pleads guilty, they decide on the most
appropriate sentence. Magistrates deal with the
less serious criminal cases such as minor theft,
criminal damage, public disorder and motoring
offences. When sitting in the Family Proceedings
Court they deal with a range of issues affecting
families and children, and on special committees
they deal with licensing applications from public
houses, betting shops and gaming clubs. Back to Options Menu
Would
I be on my own?
No. You would normally sit as
one of a "Bench" of three magistrates,
including one who has been trained to take the
chair and helps guide the Bench through its
business and speaks for it. There is always a
qualified court clerk to advise on law and
procedure. Back
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What
sort of people become Magistrates?
They are people with common
sense and personal integrity; they have a good
knowledge of people and their local community and
have the ability to listen to all sides of an
argument and contribute to fair and reasonable
decisions. They must, of course, be reliable and
have the time to give to this important task.
Magistrates come from a wide
range of ethnic and social backgrounds and
occupations, and they are appointed so that the
bench is a representative cross section of the
local community. It is important that minority
ethnic groups are represented.
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Do
I need any formal qualifications?
No. Formal or academic
qualifications are not required. Back to Options Menu
Do
I need knowledge of the law?
No. Each Bench has a court
clerk who is legally qualified. The clerk is
there to advise you on relevant aspects of the
law and you will have sentencing guidelines to
help you. Back
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Will
I be trained?
Yes. You will be given a
programme of practical training which will
prepare you to sit in court as a lay person. This
is compulsory and involves talks and discussions
and practical exercises, observing in court and
visits to prison establishments. Most of the
training takes place outside working hours. Back to Options Menu
Will it
be very time consuming?
You will be required to sit for
a minimum of 26 half days each year and to be
available for full day sittings. The Lord
Chancellor hopes that most magistrates will sit
for about 35 half days. Arrangements for sittings
are worked out well in advance on a rota basis
and it is usually possible to make changes in an
emergency. Training and meetings are an
additional commitment, but are often held outside
working hours. If you have more time to spare you
may volunteer, when you are sufficiently
experienced, for extra sittings or train to join
the Family or Youth panels, the Betting &
Gaming or Licensing Committees. It is very
important to be certain when applying that you
can give the commitment required.
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What
does the selection process involve?
The Lord Chancellor appoints
magistrates on the advice of local Advisory
Committees; in Lancashire, Greater Manchester and
Merseyside appointments are made by the
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. If you are
interested you will be asked to complete an
application form and the Advisory Committee may
invite you to one or possibly two interviews to
discuss the duties of a magistrate, your views on
crime and punishment and what qualities you might
bring to the magistracy. It is important that
Benches should , as far as possible, reflect the
communities they serve and each year Advisory
Committees look at the needs of Benches, not only
in terms of the numbers required, but also in
terms of maintaining a balance of gender, ethnic
origin, where people live, occupation, age and
social background. Not everyone who applies will
be interviewed, not everyone who is interviewed
will be appointed. You would, of course, be
informed of the result of your application.
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Are
there any restrictions on who may apply?
Yes. You should live or work
near to the Bench to which you apply to be
appointed. Very few people are automatically
disqualified. An undischarged bankrupt may not be
appointed or anyone who has been convicted of a
serious offence. Minor motoring offences will not
normally disqualify you. Work for court
associated organisations (e.g. police, probation,
prison service) or a relationship with someone
working for them will need some special
consideration to avoid any conflict of interest
arising, and may debar you from appointment. Back to Options Menu
What
are the age limits?
People between 27 and 65 years
of age are eligible to apply. Magistrates must
retire from the Bench at the age of 70.
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Do
Magistrates get paid?
No. Magistrates give up their
time for the vital task of administering justice
on a voluntary basis. Many employers allow time
off with pay. However, if you suffer loss of
earnings, you may claim a loss allowance at a set
rate. Allowances for travel and subsistence may
also be claimed. Back to Options Menu
How
do I find out more or make an application?
To help you decide whether you
would like to be a magistrate you must visit a
magistrates' court and see a court in action.
Further information and an application form may
be obtained from your local Advisory Committee
(see details below):-
For enquiries please contact :
The Bury St Edmunds area please
contact Doris Woolmer, Area Support Officer on
01284 352339
The Ipswich area please contact
Sue Bruce, Area Support Officer on 01473 217261
The Lowestoft area please contact Allison Dumbrell,
Area Support Officer on 01502 501060
To download an application form
please click here(243 kb)
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