LAY MAGISTRATESCan you make a difference?

LAYOUT OF A MAGISTRATES’ COURT

TOUR OF A MAGISTRATES’ COURT

BEING A LAY MAGISTRATE...

The role of a Lay Magistrate is to hear 95% of criminal cases. They then decide if the person is guilty or innocent.

If found guilty, the defendant will either be dealt with in the Magistrates’ Court, or the case may be sent to a Crown Court. This is dependent on the severity of the case.

POWER...

Lay Magistrates have the power to sentence a defendant to prison for up to 6 months for one offence. This increases to 12 months for multiple offences.

They can also fine defendant any sum of money up to £5,000.

Lay Magistrates are also able to give a combination of these punishments.

CASES...

There are 3 types of cases heard in Magistrate Courts these are: Summary Offences – this includes

motoring offences or disorderly behaviour. Usually end in Magistrates’ Court.

Indictable Offences – includes murder, rape, manslaughter etc. Generally Magistrates decide whether or not to grant bail or reporting restrictions. The case is then passed on to a Crown Court.

Either Way Offences – these are cases that can end in either court.

WHY?

You might now be asking yourself ‘Why do I want to be a Lay Magistrate?’. Well, you can make a huge difference.

There is generally a specific type of person who sign up to be Lay Magistrates. It’s time for change.

You can make a difference to the criminal justice system. You can have your say in the justice for people in your local community.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR...

Mix of age, gender and ethnicity.

Between the ages of 18 and 70.

Must have: Good character Understanding nature Good communication skills Social awareness Maturity Sound temperament Sound judgement Reliability Commitment Honesty Open mindedness

BENEFITS AND ADVANTAGES...

You will be given free training on how to deal with cases appropriately.

You will have all of you expenses covered, this includes food and travel etc.

If you work, your employer is required to give you paid time of to do your duty.

It’s only 26 half days per year. Therefore it’s flexible and shouldn’t impact too much on your day to day life.

YOUR NEXT STEP...

Want more information about being a Lay Magistrate or want to apply to be one follow these links: https://

www.gov.uk/become-magistrate/what-magistrates-do

http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/about-the-judiciary/who-are-the-judiciary/judicial-roles/magistrates/

https://www.gov.uk/become-magistrate/apply-to-be-a-magistrate

http://www.obv.org.uk/what-we-do/schemes/magistrate-scheme-2007/8/frequently-asked-questions-faq