Post on 14-Jul-2015
What do magistrates do
in court?
Everything that is said in court, magistrates listen to it very carefully and take it
into mind. Once that is done, they have to then decide who is telling the truth
and whether they think the defendant is guilty or innocent. There are a number
of choices:
1. Magistrates can fine someone which means that the individual would have
to pay some money to the court, also they would get put on tag, this means
it would stop them from going out at night.
2. If they are addicted to alcohol or drugs, they would get asked to attend a
clinic to help them.
3. Attend classes to help them prepare or train for work.
4. May even send them to prison.
What do you need to
become a Magistrate?
To become a Magistrate you would not be expected to have any
qualifications, all that will be expected is for you to give up some
spare time. Full training would be provided for the role and when it
comes to questions about the law, help would also be provided by a legal advisor.
https://www.gov.uk/become-magistrate/can-you-be-a-magistrate
Do magistrates get
paid?
Individuals who apply for a role as a magistrate are volunteers, and they
hear cases in courts within their community.
https://www.gov.uk/become-magistrate/can-you-be-a-magistrate
Qualities expected
from a Magistrate?
Maturity and sound temperament
Sound judgement
Good character
Social awareness
Understanding and communication
http://www.how2become.com/competencies/personal-qualities-and-
attributes-of-a-magistrate/
Magistrate key qualities
You tube Video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1UlobbDtik
How to become a Magistrate?
If you want to become a magistrate there are different ways for
you to apply.
You can visit your local
court to check if the role
suits you.
When wanting to apply,
you need to apply to the
advisory committee.
If you have finally decided you
want to take part in the
magistrates then you can
download an application form
from the Gov website.
If you want information on
recruitment in your area, the
local advisory should be
contacted.
http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/about-the-judiciary/judges-
career-paths/becoming-a-magistrate/
What age do you have to
be to become a Magistrate?
Magistrates have to be 18 to the age of 65
The retiring age for magistrates is 70
Who can not sit the role
of being a Magistrate?
Police officers, armed forces and also traffic wardens can
not sit the role of becoming a magistrate. The reason for this
is, is to make sure that magistrates are impartial.
Not only people with job roles as the above, but also
individuals who have a criminal record.
http://www.findlaw.co.uk/law/criminal/criminal_courts/8037.html
http://www.inbrief.co.uk/legal-system/lay-magistrates-juries.htm
What are you going to get out of
being a magistrate?
Skills
Experience
Understanding
Making a difference
Engaging – appealing – different communities
Hughes. Ben(2014)
What sort of cases do magistrates
deal with?
Magistrates deal with crimes that are less serious, such as:
Stealing a bike
Breaking a window
Fighting
Being very drunk
Driving a car through a red traffic light
http://www.inbrief.co.uk/legal-system/lay-magistrates-juries.htm
What type of courts are there?
For young people some magistrates sit in special courts for young
people under 18 called Youth Courts. This is where the magistrates
have a different way of dealing with individuals when they have got into
trouble.
Family courts are also there, and this is to help people sort out family
problems. The type of problems would be:
• When families split up
•Parents argue about where
their children live or go to educate
https://www.gov.uk/courts/magistrates-courts
Bibliography
http://www.how2become.com/competencies/personal-qualities-and-
attributes-of-a-magistrate
http://www.inbrief.co.uk/legal-system/lay-magistrates-juries.htm
http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/about-the-judiciary/judges-career-
paths/becoming-a-magistrate/
https://www.gov.uk/become-magistrate/can-you-be-a-magistrate
https://www.gov.uk/courts/magistrates-courts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1UlobbDtik
Hughes. Ben(2014)