(Justices of the Peace)

 Unpaid, unqualified, part-time volunteers (although they can claim expenses)  28,000 lay magistrates  Only 137 paid, full time, legally qualified District Judges (Magistrates’ Court)

 Selected by Advisory Committees (one third non-magistrates, the rest existing magistrates)  members who should represent the local community and political opinion (?)  Two-stage interview process, looking for personal characteristics and judicial aptitude  Appointments Group considers recommendations  Appointed by Lord Chancellor on behalf of Crown

 Judicial Studies board responsible for this  Bench Training and Development Committees - organised locally  Induction within 3 months of appointment includes court visits, prison visits and lectures  Magistrates New Training Initiative - Practical aspects - Assigned a mentor - Complete personal development log court observations over 2 year training period

 Must achieve 4 competences: 1. Understand criminal justice framework 2. Apply law and procedure 3. Judicial skills 4. Work in teams  Ad hoc training available in Family Court matters and Youth Court matters

 Sit as a bench of two or three magistrates  Limited powers if they sit alone  Issue search and arrest warrants  Sit for half days per year

 Conduct first instance criminal trials - Summary and Triable either way offences  Bench of 3 - Manage case, hear evidence, decide verdict and pass sentence  Max sentence - 6 months imprisonment - £5000 fine  Conduct preliminary hearings  Applications for bail  Transfer cases to Crown Court  Conduct Youth Court hearings

 Can serve until the age of 70  After 70, can join the supplemental list  Can be removed ‘for good reasons’ - Misbehaviour - Incapacity - Failure to meet standards of competence - Neglecting duties of office