magistrates

Question 1

who are magistrates

Answer 1

lay people who preside in a magistrates court

Question 2

what age range must someone be in to be a magistrate

Answer 2

18 - 74

Question 3

where must someone live to be a magistrate

Answer 3

in or around the area in which they serve as a magistrate

Question 4

how much time must someone commit to being a magistrate

Answer 4

26 half days / 13 whole days per year

Question 5

what 6 attributes must magistrates have

Answer 5

1. self awareness and openness to learning
2. communication with sensitivity and respect
3. understanding and appreciating different perspectives
4. fair, impartial, and transparent decisions
5. good character
6. work and engage with people professionally

Question 6

who is excluded from serving as a magistrate

Answer 6

anyone serving in the army or police, with a disability which prevents them from serving, who cannot spare the time to serve, or has a criminal record.

Question 7

what is the 7 step process to becoming a magistrate

Answer 7

1. apply online or by post
2. local advisory committee creates a shortlist of candidates
3. interviews are arranged, with two magistrates and another person
4. two interviews take place, one to examine character, another includes trial and sentence exercises
5. the application is reviewed by the committee to ensure a balanced bench
6. committee gives its recommendations the toe lord chief justice
7. the lord chief justice makes appointments on behalf of the crown

Question 8

what are the three stages of a trial a magistrate is present in

Answer 8

pre trial, during trial, post trial

Question 9

what does a magistrate do during pre trial

Answer 9

hear applications for bail or remand
issue warrants
issue summons
extend suspect holding time
refer offences to crown court

Question 10

what does a magistrate do during the during trial phase

Answer 10

hear summary and triable either way offences
listen to evidence
take legal advice from the court clerk
reach a verdict
serve in the youth court

Question 11

what does a magistrate do during post trial

Answer 11

give a sentence if the defendant is found guilty
can hear appeals against sentence or conviction in the crown court with a judge