Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
magistrates (Qualifications (Ineligible (with a criminal conviction,…
magistrates
Qualifications
-
-
Must be able to commit to 26 half days a year- training in evenings & weekends- cannot claim for loss of earnings from the State.
Expected to either live or work within reasonable travelling distance from their court- divided into 38 local justice areas - established by Courts Act 2003
-
-
-
Training
Initial training- must undertake Prison/YOI vist & observe 3 court sessions & 18 hours of training intro on basic law procedures
-
Allocated a mentor & must keep a personal development log to record progress- gets observed at least 6 times
-
EVALUATION
:smiley: thoroughly prepares the M for the rule. -mentors make sure they receive the training they specifically need.
-
-
Role and Function
Criminal Cases
-
Listen to evidence, can ask questions during the trial & can ask Clerk for legal advice during the trial
must decide the facts and retire in to consider verdict- deliberations are secret but must give reasons for decisions
-
EVALUATION
Advantages
Representative- cross section of the community, balanced bench now than in the past
-
Local knowledge- avoids need to travel a distance, sit in the area which they live in
quality of justice- D are tried by peers rather than local professionals. Promotes greater confidence in the system
Improved training- the introduction of the Magistrates National Training Initiative has meant Magistrates today are better trained
-
Disadvantages
Not representative- shrinking it makes it difficut to achieve a balanced bench. not balanced in terms of age, occupational backgrounds, social class or ethinicty. dominated Middle class
-
-
-