1. What role do lay people play in the criminal justice system? lay person: n 1. a person who does not have specialized or professional knowledge of a subject.

2. Look at magistrates’ qualifications and role; Find out how magistrates are appointed and trained;

3. What benefits are there to using ordinary members of the public in the legal process? Representative of society as a whole... A sound local knowledge... Cost... Speed...

4. Not Guilty

5. What percentage of criminal cases are dealt with by magistrates?

6. Criminal trials; Applications for bail; Passing sentence; Authorising arrest and search warrants; Hearing cases in the Youth Court.

7. Making orders for the protection of children; Proceedings related to child welfare; Enforcements of financial penalties such as non payment of court fines or council tax ; Appeals against local authority licensing.

8. Good character; Understanding and communication; Social awareness; Maturity and sound temperament; Sound judgement; Commitment and reliability.

9. Aged between 18 and 65; Must give at least 26 half days each year; No criminal record; Candidates must not be an undischarged bankrupt (declared bankrupt and not yet paid off the debt). Not a member of the armed forces or a police officer.

10. Application Form (online); References; At least two interviews; Constitutional Reform Act 2005 Local Advisory Committee... Lord Chief Justice... (Lord Judge) Lord Chancellor... (Chris Grayling MP)

11. What would you put on your application form? Why do you want to be a magistrate? What qualities would you bring to the job?

13. What disadvantages are there to using lay people in the justice system? No sound legal knowledge... Not a broad cross section of society... Inconsistent sentencing...

14. 1.Discuss three advantages of using magistrates in criminal cases. 2.Discuss three disadvantages of using magistrates in criminal case.

15. What benefits are there to using ordinary members of the public in the legal process? Representative of society as a whole... A sound local knowledge... Cost... Speed...

16. Each of you should come up with at least two questions to ask our visiting magistrate.

17. Lesley Vincent