Why am I here…?
I am here because we want people like YOU to become apart of the Lay magistrates team
I am also here to provide you with a PowerPoint presentation about the magistrates and the roles they take up.
Who are the lay magistrates?
The lay magistrates are public people who volunteer to help bring peace and justice in their community
They are people aged from the age of 18-65 The magistrates are made up of all different people from different ethnicities , backgrounds, different genders, ages and class
Magistrates court
There are 2 or 3 magistrates in every court room
The middle magistrate is called the chairperson and the others on each side are called the wingers
Video… This is a quick video of a magistrates
court and the different types of roles in the court room and a little explanation about their role
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeNDacwO5NA
What sort of cases do magistrates deal with.
At a magistrates they see every case but if they believe their sentencing powers are not enough for a case they would transfer it to the crown court.The types of cases the generally hear are: Theft Minor violent offences Motor vehicle offences Drunk and Disorderly offences
Who can not become a magistrate.
Individuals who have been banned from driving in the past 5-10 years
If you have been found guilty of 1 major offence or multiple minor offences
If you have been confirmed as being bankrupt
Excluded from the jury service Mental health problems Serving members of HM forces Police officers or traffic wardens
6 key qualities you need:
Good CharacterBeing confident and trustworthy and respecting others Commitment and ReliabilityBeing committed to the magistrates role and also be of good health and family support Sound JudgementThink rationally and make a judgement based on defendant and victims Understanding and CommunicationTo understand documents and identity facts and also have good communication Maturity and Sound TemperamentThink rationally and make a judgement based on different arguments Social AwarenessBe aware of ethnicity and cultures of the defendants and victims
Do you need any qualifications or experience?
The answer to that is no you do not need any of them
You will be given full training to become a magistrate
A legal advisor will also be in the court room
Advantages of becoming a lay magistrate
Gain Experience Volunteer work but
do get expenses (Travel Cost)
Looks good on your C.V
Career Opportunities
• Improve team working skills
• Gain personal skills• A change of your
normal day to day job
Are you working?
If so…
They would give you plenty of notice before you have to attend so you can tell your employer and they could make any sufficient arrangements if need be.
You can still become a lay magistrate because you only need to attend 26 half days a year