Lay Magistrates, also known as Justices of the Peace, are volunteer members of the public who serve as judges in Magistrates Courts. Little training or qualifications are required to become a Lay Magistrate. There are over 23,000 Lay Magistrates in England and Wales who must be between 18-65 years old. Lay Magistrates deal with less serious crimes and have sentencing powers of up to 6 months imprisonment or a £5,000 fine. While Lay Magistrates provide a cross-section of society and local knowledge, some disadvantages are that their middle-class backgrounds may limit commonality with younger defendants.

1. Lay Magistrates
By Zehshan Mahmood

2. Did You Know
● Lay Magistrates are also known as the “Justice of Peace”
● No qualifications required to join the Magistry
● Little training is needed
● There are over 23,000 Magistrates in England and Wales
● You have to be 18 to 65
● Its Volunteer but all expenses are paid for
“Dont be confused, keep on reading. All will be
explained”

3. The Benefits of Magistrate
● Free training
● All expenses paid for
● Meet new people
● Understand the law and your community
● Make a difference in your local community
“Plus it looks great on
your C.V”

4. Roles within Lay Magistrates
● The Usher
● Solicitor for Prosecution and Defendant
● Probation officer
● Press
● The Dock
● The Clerk
● The Magistrates
“Members of the public can sit during any case of the
Lay Magistrates”

5. Six Key Qualities
● Good Character - to respect and trust for others
● Understanding and Communication - ability to understand
documentations and to follow the evidence and arguments.
● Social Awareness - Understanding and respecting the communities
beliefs
● Maturity and Sound Temperament - Qualities of maturity, humanity
but also be firm and decisive when required.
● Sound Judgement - Common sense and be able to think logically.
● Commitment and Reliability - The Magistrates need to undertake at
least 26 half day sitting a year.

6. Cannot Join Magistrates
You cannot join the Magistrates if you have the following:
● Driving Offences
● Major Crime Offences
● Declared Bankrupt
● Other Offences

7. Sentencing Powers
Magistrates have sentencing powers but they are restricted to the
amount that they can sentence. Magistrates can give the following
sentencings:
● Up to 6 months or up to 12 months in total for more than one
offence.
● Fine up to £5000.
● Community service.

8. Cases dealt at Lay Magistrates
Lay Magistrates deal with all the less serious crimes that are committed
such as motoring offences, criminal damage cases under £5000, theft
or higher value damage cases however these cases can be dealt at
Magistrates. Lay Magistrates are also specially trained to deal with
Youth court cases for defendants under the age of 18 and Civil court
cases.
“95% of all crimes are dealt at Lay
Magistrates Court”

9. Advantages and Disadvantages
Providing a cross section of society
- the system involves members of the public or
community to give a wider approach rather than
professionals or judges
Disadvantage to this is that the selection of
magistrates are middle class minded which is
the main problem as they little common with
the younger class defendants who make most of
the crimes.
Local Knowledge - Magistrates have to
live within 15 miles of the area so they will
know the local community news
Disadvantage is that the magistrates are middle
classed so they most likely don't live or work in
their local area.
Costs - Lay Magistrates is considered as
cheap, the replacement of them with paid
stipendiary. The trial at Magistrates court is
still cheaper than Crown court.

10. Joining Magistrates
Interested in joining the Magistrates?
click the link below:
https://www.gov.uk/become-magistrate/apply-to-be-a-magistrate