Wimbledon Magistrates CourtAlexandra Road

London SW19 7JP

The Magistracy in Merton

Inside the magistrates’ court

Lay magistrates usually sit on a bench of three people

What qualities do you need to be a magistrate?

Good character Understanding and

communication Social awareness Maturity and sound

temperament Sound judgement Commitment and

reliability

What cases are dealt with in the magistrates’ court?

All criminal cases start out in the Magistrates court.

95% of cases are dealt with fully in the Magistrates court

5% of cases go to the crown court Crown Court

Magistrates Court

Youth Court Justice

The youth court is for 10-17 year olds and is in a less formal setting

Specially trained magistrates sit here.

Sentences aimed at changing behaviour and attitudes are issued.

Parents are often involved in the outcome

The family proceedings court

Protection of children Contact Adoption Parental Responsibility

Specially trained magistrates sit in the family proceedings court and deal with issues arising out of family breakdown. Such as:

From crime to court

Crime Committed

Arrest made

Taken to custody suite and charged

Sent to court for plea to be taken

What happens next?

The defendant appears in court and pleads guilty or not guilty If they plead guilty they will be sentenced. If they plead not guilty a trial will follow

and the court will have to decide on their guilt.

Sentences

Community sentence

Conditional discharge Fine

Prison/curfew order

Sentencing intention

Punishment Reduction in crime/ deterrence Reform and rehabilitation Protection of the public Reparation

Can be all or some of these

Sentencing Structure

Offence seriousness (culpability & harm) Identify starting point Consider aggravating & mitigating factors

Form preliminary view of appropriate sentence

Consider offender mitigation Consider reduction for guilty plea Consider ancillary orders(e.g. compensation)

Decide sentence & give reasons

Consequences after court

Loss of job Public shame Criminal record Visa and travel restrictions Higher insurance premiums

How you can help us

Spread awareness of the Magistracy Help the local community understand

what we do Help build public confidence in the

Criminal Justice System Recruitment of new magistrates