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How Lay Magistrates are Selected (By one of 47 local advisory committees…
How Lay Magistrates are Selected
By one of 47 local advisory committees (LAC) in England and Wales
LAC is made of current and former magistrates
They advertise widely e.g social media and newspapers
They do not have any legal qualifications but they must live or work near the area
The 15 mile radius rule was removed by Courts Act 2003
Must possess 6 key qualities by Lord Chancellor in 1998 including good character and social awareness
Good health so can commit to 6 1/2 days at evenings and weekends for training
cannot have a major criminal conviction as will compromise the good character, be an undischarged bankrupt or work in certain professions e.g Police as not a fair trial
LAC sifts through applications, reviews references and invite applicants to 2 interviews
1st focuses on the good character
2nd focuses on case studies to eliminate biased views
LAC tries to appoint a diverse range
2017 shows 54% female and 11% BAME groups
don't discriminate against age, gender and ethicity
No more than 10% from one occupation
however, due to recent court closures, 86% are over 50 and 4% are under 40
successful applicants are appointed by Lord Chief Justice.
sworn in by Senior Circuit Judge
Selection process takes 12 months
All Magistrates must retire at 70 but can be removed earlier if they act in a way which is inconsistent with their office