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| Question | Answer |
| What age is a person eligible to be a magistrate? | 18 - 70 However magistrates are unlikely to be picked until 27 and people are unlikely to be appointed after the age of 65. |
| When is a person not eligible to be a magistrate due to their job? | If they are a: Policeman (likely to know people) Traffic warden Member of the armed forces (need to be available a lot of the time) |
| What other 2 factors other than age and job that can effect you from being a magistrate? | You can also not become a magistrate if you: Are disabled in a way which would prevent him from carrying out his job. If you are in the process of bankruptcy. |
| What 6 key qualities should a magistrate have? | Good character Understanding and communication Social awareness Maturity and sound temperament Sound judgement Commitment and reliability |
| When applying what should a candidate disclose? | His spouse/partner Close relatives Any criminal convictions Any civil claims Any occupations which may create a conflict of interest If he is a freemason |
| How are magistrates selected? | Advertised Public awareness day Existing magistrates can recommend candidates |
| How does the candidate apply and what do they check using this? | Application form Checked that he meets the basic qualification requirements. |
| Who is the candidate interviewed by the first time? | Local advisory committee (LAC) (made up of existing magistrates) |
| What happens at the second interview? | The LAC discuss practical scenarios with candidates. |
| How are candidates appointed? | LAC forwards suitable people to the Lord Chancellor for appointment. LC normally follows recommendations of the LAC. Appointments are made by the Queen. |
| What doe the LAC try to ensure when choosing candidates? | That the candidates: Reflect the population of the area in terms of - Gender, race, variety of backgrounds, professions, political allegiances and ages. |
| Who is responsible of training for the new magistrates? | The local Magistrates' Area Training Committees under the supervision of the Judicial Studies Board. |
| What training do new magistrates typically receive? | Compulosry: Reading and classes on the work of a magistrate, observing court sessions, and visiting a prison, a young offenders' institution and the probation service. Sitting as a magistrate on real cases with 2 experience colleagues. 6 sessions with a mentor. Consolidation training after a year on law, procedure and skills. |
| What further training can magistrates have? (2 years training) | Receive specialised training as a BENCH CHAIRMAN, or a member of either the FAMILY PROCEEDINGS COURT or the YOUTH COURT. Also to cover new developments e.g human rights. As defendant mostly plead guilty a great time is spend on sentencing issues. |
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