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The Magistrates Courts - Coggle Diagram
The Magistrates Courts
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Main characteristics
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Magistrates' Courts deal with minor criminal offenses (assault, motorings offences, being drunk and disorderly, drug oggences)
Their sentencing powers allo them to impose a range of sentences including fines (amendes), bans, community ordes and up to 6 months imprisonment
The bench is supported by a legal adviser also named clerk of the court, a profesionnal who advises them on the law relating to the case
Until 2022, JP couldn't give sentences longer than 6 months in prison (more on this later
If the sentence should be longer or if the case is too complex, they can pass the case on to the Crown court
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Disadvantages
Altgough they are unpaid, they cost more than might be imagined
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Recent evolution
Since it came to power in 2010, Conservative party has closed over 50% of all magistrate's courts (164 out 323)