Magistrates Criminal Courts and Lay People © The Law Bank The Criminal Courts and Lay People Magistrates 1

Criminal Courts and Lay People © The Law Bank Objectives Describe the qualification selection and appointment of a magistrate Describe the training role and powers of magistrates 2

Magistrates Criminal Courts and Lay People © The Law Bank A Little Bit of History Also known as Justices of the Peace Originated in 1195 – Richard I required some knights to keep peace Responsible to king for ensuring law upheld Preserved the ‘Kings Peace’ Known as ‘Keepers of the Peace’ 1361 – ‘Justice of Peace’ first used Role developed since then 3

Magistrates Criminal Courts and Lay People © The Law Bank What is a Magistrate? Unqualified Part time Unpaid (apart from expenses) Annual training budget = £500 per head Equal numbers of men and women Reflect society as a whole Race and gender balance that reflects the local area 4

Magistrates Criminal Courts and Lay People © The Law Bank What is a Magistrate? Have to sit 26 half days a year Constant appointments 2005/2006 – 1132 men and 1080 women appointed Includes growth and turn-over Sit as bench of three Have role in all criminal cases 1 million cases heard each year In 2006/7 – 850,000 convictions Some full time paid magistrates called District Judges 5

Magistrates Criminal Courts and Lay People © The Law Bank Qualification and Eligibility No special qualifications 1 st requirement is to have correct qualities –Good character –Understanding and communication –Social awareness –Mature and sound temperament –Being of sound judgement –Have commitment and reliability 6

Magistrates Criminal Courts and Lay People © The Law Bank Qualification and Eligibility 2 nd requirement Willingness to take Oath of Allegiance –British nationality not required –But if seeking asylum cannot be appointed –Some professions ineligible (as compromise impartiality) – police and armed forces –Discretion in this but must test conflict of interest –Extend to applicants family too –Freemason disclosure 7

Magistrates Criminal Courts and Lay People © The Law Bank Qualification and Eligibility 3 rd requirement – criminal convictions and civil claims –Extension of quality of good character –Must disclose any convictions – however minor –Also civil orders – divorce and maintenance settlements –Rehabilitation Act 1974 does not apply –Applies to families of applicant too –No formal age requirement but between 18 – 70 –5 years service normally required before retirement 8

Magistrates Criminal Courts and Lay People © The Law Bank Selection of a new magistrate Number of stages Advertisement in area where required Public awareness days in some courts Can apply in home or work locality Standard form available from Ministry of Justice Downloaded or printed from website Completed – straightforward and done hard copy or online 9

Magistrates Criminal Courts and Lay People © The Law Bank Selection of a new magistrate Submitted and checked for general eligibility If eligible applicant invited to first interview Sent by Advisory Committee (This consists of local people and magistrates) If successful – second interview Background checks made for conflicts of interest Advisory Committee consider suitability View of Committee sent to Lord Chancellor who makes appointments 10

Magistrates Criminal Courts and Lay People © The Law Bank Appointment of Magistrate Appointed by Secretary of State and Lord Chancellor Done so on behalf of Queen Then meet new colleagues Begin training 11

Magistrates Criminal Courts and Lay People © The Law Bank Training of Magistrates Judicial Studies Board has overall responsibility Operates through regional Courts Board areas Each area responsible for delivering training Delivered by Justices’ Clerk Local Magistrates’ Area Training Committee sets training priorities – agrees annual training plan Magistrates’ Association consulted on training Works with Judicial Studies Board to develop materials 12

Magistrates Criminal Courts and Lay People © The Law Bank Training of Magistrates Each year Court Service and JSB produce minimum training document Sets out minimum training provision and additional training Not all training for all magistrates Compulsory training for new magistrates designed to prepare them for sitting in court Usually delivered locally by Justices’ Clerk 13

Magistrates Criminal Courts and Lay People © The Law Bank Training of Magistrates Includes: –Basic introduction to role and responsibilities –Preliminary reading and three days of training –Three court observations –Visit to a prison –Visit to young offenders’ institution –Visit to probation service facility After completion can start to sit in court 14

Magistrates Criminal Courts and Lay People © The Law Bank Training of Magistrates New magistrate then develops in role After a year receives consolidation training Normally for two days equivalent Includes training on law procedures and skills Best way to learn is from experience in court All new magistrates given a mentor - especially trained magistrates In first year have 6 sessions with mentor 15

Magistrates Criminal Courts and Lay People © The Law Bank Training of Magistrates After 2 years opportunities to specialise Youth court or Family Proceedings Court Can undertake training to become chairman of bench Also new legislation training or sentencing policy Materials include: –Adult Bench Book, Family Bench Book, Youth Bench Book & a New Magistrates Workbook 16

Magistrates Criminal Courts and Lay People © The Law Bank Role and powers Each bench should broadly reflect community it serves –Gender, ethnic origin, geographical spread, occupation and political affiliation Allows magistrates to deal effectively with local issues Must sit for at least 26 half days each year Bench of three Chair and two wingmen 17

Magistrates Criminal Courts and Lay People © The Law Bank Role and powers Wingmen less experienced than chairman Always have advice of qualified legal adviser This is the Justices’ Clerk or Assistant Clerk Responsible for effective case management & avoidance of delay Legal advisor explains relevant points of law and legal procedures Gives advice on possible sentencing options 18

Magistrates Criminal Courts and Lay People © The Law Bank Role and powers Magistrates alone make decisions Magistrates also decide on sentence (but must be within powers) Advisor makes sure they are aware of latest guidelines and policies on sentencing Chairman of bench announces decision to court 19

Magistrates Criminal Courts and Lay People © The Law Bank Role and powers Advisor carries out many administrative roles: –Preparing for court sessions –Making sure all relevant papers and exhibits are ready –Reading charges to the court –Dealing with the paperwork for legal aid and bail –Managing court schedules –Training magistrates 20

Magistrates Criminal Courts and Lay People © The Law Bank Role and powers Magistrates: –Hear less serious crimes –Commit serious cases to higher courts –Cannot impose sentences of imprisonment of more than 6 months (12 months for consecutive sentences) –Cannot impose fines exceeding £5,000 –Can also sit in Crown Court with a judge to hear appeals from Magistrates’ Courts against conviction or sentence –Also can sit in Crown to hear proceedings on committal to Crown Court for sentencing 21

Magistrates Criminal Courts and Lay People © The Law Bank Removal Must retire at 70 Complaints dealt with under Judicial Discipline (Prescribed Procedures) Regulations 2006 Complaints may come from a wide range of sources Investigated on behalf of the Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice Investigated by Advisory Committee and support staff 22

Magistrates Criminal Courts and Lay People © The Law Bank Removal Failure to meet standards or to attend required sittings can result in removal In 2006 there were 28 complaints with 15 removals Consider Alan Mitchell who complained about ‘bloody foreigners’ 23

Magistrates Criminal Courts and Lay People © The Law Bank Objectives Describe the qualification selection and appointment of a magistrate Describe the training role and powers of magistrates 24