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Magistrates are volunteers from all walks of life who deal with around 95% of criminal cases in England and Wales. They are appointed by the Lord Chancellor to serve in their local magistrates' court. No formal qualifications are required, but magistrates receive comprehensive training. Their duties include determining guilt, passing sentences of up to 6 months in prison or a £5,000 fine, and deciding on issues like bail and remand. Serving as a magistrate provides personal and community benefits, and helps the criminal justice system operate effectively at the local level.