Lay magistrates have no formal qualifications required but should have good life experience and communication skills. Applicants must be aged 18-70, reliable, and able to commit to hearing cases half a day per week. Training is provided including courtroom visits and working with a court clerk. Confidentiality is strictly enforced. The role involves understanding and applying relevant laws to determine appropriate sentences while explaining the reasoning.

1. LAY MAGISTRATES’
COURTS
EXITING NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO WORK IN THE MAGISTRATES’ COURTS

2. What you need to join the Magistrates’
No formal qualification’s , but good all round knowledge and have a good broad experience in life.
They are normally men, who are over the age of 50, but they can be mixed in gender male or female. And aged from 18-70.
You must have good communication skills , be mature, and have a sound temperament.
People with disabilities can also apply for the magistrates they don’t discriminate.
You must be a good time keeper, reliable, and committed .
And be able to give 26 half days up per year for the sittings.
If you think that this is for you and would like to apply for the position, this will give you good opportunities for working in the solicitors
and anything to do with law.
.

3. Roles of being a magistrate
 You must have a good understanding of the legislations and procedures . And
follow the law in giving out the correct punishment.
 Be able to give the reason why you have passed the sentence.
 Explain the reason why you have given the certain sentence order (for example
fines or prison sentence).
 And also make sure that the offender agrees to comply with all decisions made
and that they understand them.

4. WHO CANNOT SIT AND TAKE UP THE
ROLE OF THE MAGISTRATES’
If you have been declared bankrupt
If you have been found guilty for more than one minor offence
And if you have been banned from driving for the last 5-10 years.

5. Training
This booklet will help
you with your
interview
A good source to read to get you on
track with getting your interview.
Information for more
training
This can be found online and give
you more information in leadership
and management
Map of the court
room
You will be invited to the court to
have a look round and get used to
it, and shown were everyone will sit

6. TRAINING
 Training will be given, and this will include,
 Visits to the court were you will be given
legal advice from the court clerk.

7. PRISON VISITS
You will go and visit your local prisons, to gain the right skills and experience .

8. The court clerk
She will give you legal advice when needed.
and all aspects of training to help you gain
experience to work in the magistrates’

9. Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a must in court, and no
information should be discussed outside the
court about any person or case.

10. How to apply
Check the website to see if there
is any vacancies.
 Then email or post this back to the
advisory committee in your local area.
Download the application form
and the guidelines.
 https//:www.gov.uk/become-magistrates/
apply/-to-be-a-magistrate.

11. bibliography
Hughes Notes (2014)
https://www.gov.uk/become-magistrate/apply-to-be-a-magistrate (date assessed 15
Nov 2014 )
http://www.justice.qld.gov.au/justice-services/courts-and-tribunals/going-to-court/
sentencing/the-sentencing-process/the-role-of-the-judge-or-magistrate (date
assessed 15 Nov 2014)