RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN FOR THE LAY MAGISTRACYby Danielle Barton

WHO CAN BE A LAY MAGISTRATE?

You!!

If you answer yes to the following questions you could qualify to become

a Lay Magistrate .

ARE YOU AGED BETWEEN 18 AND 65?

Magistrates retire at 70.

LEFT SCHOOL WITH NO QUALIFICATIONS?

You don't need formal qualifications or

legal training to become a magistrate.

You will get full training for the role and a legal

adviser will be present in court to help with

questions about the law.

ARE YOU IN A FULL TIME OR A PART TIME JOB?

You only need to be in court for 13 days, or 26 half days, in any year.

The good news is that your employer MUST by law allow you reasonable time off work to serve as a magistrate.

Your magistrate's rota is available well in advance so that you employer will get plenty of notice.

HAVE YOU GOT A GOOD CHARACTER?

As long as you have not committed any serious crime or been

found guilty of a number of minor offences you can apply.

Also if you have been declared bankrupt or banned from

driving in the last 5 years you can't apply.

ARE YOU IN GOOD HEATH?

Can you hear clearly and are you able to concentrate and sit for long periods?

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE COURT ROOM

A. Witness

A person that sees a crime or accident take place

B. Magistrates

A civil officer who administers the law, especially one

who conducts a court that deals with minor offences

and holds preliminary hearings for more serious

ones.

C. Clark of the Court

An officer of the court who is legally qualified

and advises them of the law relating to the

case.

D. Lawyers for the prosecution and defense

Lawyers represent the defendant and

prosecutor.

E. Court Usher

Prepares the court room, clerical duties,

calling witnesses and checking defendants

and lawyers are present and ready to go into

court.

F. Defendant

A person accused in a court of law.

G. Others

Police, the public and reporters.

What do Magistrates deal with?

• Preliminary matters such as bail and remand hearings under the Bail

Act 1976 and also legal aid.

• Trails and sentencing of summary offences (such as assault and

battery) and some offences that are triable either way.

• Transfer of a case to the Crown Court where the defendant has

pleaded not guilty to an offence that is triable either way and has

opted for a Crown Court trial.

• Some civil jurisdiction including hearing appeals for alcohol and

gaming licences, non-payment of council tax and TV licences

The six key qualities needed

• Good Character:-

Keeping the confidence, trusting and respecting others

• Commitment and reliability:-

Commitment to the role, be of good health and family support

• Social awareness:-

Ethnic, cultural and social awareness of defendant and victims

• Sound judgement:-

Think logically and make a judgement based on different arguments

• Understanding and communication:-

Understanding documents, identify facts, communication

• Maturity and sound temperament:-

Think logically and make a judgement based on different arguments

Just think what you could get out of being a lay magistrate.

• Skills

• Experience

• Understanding

• Career prospects

Why don’t you make a real difference in your community and

give something back.