This document provides information about becoming a lay magistrate in the UK. It outlines the basic eligibility requirements, including being between 18-65 years old, not needing formal qualifications, being able to commit to 13 days of court per year, having a clean criminal record, and being in good health. It then provides an overview of the roles in a courtroom and the types of cases magistrates deal with, such as bail hearings, trials for minor offenses, and appeals. Finally, it lists the six key qualities needed to be a magistrate: good character, commitment, social awareness, sound judgement, communication skills, and maturity.

1. RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN
FOR THE LAY MAGISTRACY
by Danielle Barton

2. WHO CAN BE A LAY MAGISTRATE?
You!!
If you answer yes to the following questions you could qualify to become
a Lay Magistrate .

3. ARE YOU AGED BETWEEN 18 AND 65?
Magistrates retire at 70.

4. LEFT SCHOOL WITH NO QUALIFICATIONS?
You don't need formal qualifications or
legal training to become a magistrate.
You will get full training for the role and a legal
adviser will be present in court to help with
questions about the law.

5. ARE YOU IN A FULL TIME OR A PART TIME
JOB?
You only need to be in court for 13 days, or 26 half days, in any year.
The good news is that your employer MUST by law allow you reasonable time
off work to serve as a magistrate.
Your magistrate's rota is available well in advance so that you employer will
get plenty of notice.

6. HAVE YOU GOT A GOOD CHARACTER?
As long as you have not committed any serious crime or been
found guilty of a number of minor offences you can apply.
Also if you have been declared bankrupt or banned from
driving in the last 5 years you can't apply.

7. ARE YOU IN GOOD HEATH?
Can you hear clearly and are you able to concentrate and sit for long periods?

8. AN INTRODUCTION TO THE COURT ROOM
A. Witness
A person that sees a crime or accident take place
B. Magistrates
A civil officer who administers the law, especially one
who conducts a court that deals with minor offences
and holds preliminary hearings for more serious
ones.

9. C. Clark of the Court
An officer of the court who is legally qualified
and advises them of the law relating to the
case.
D. Lawyers for the prosecution and defense
Lawyers represent the defendant and
prosecutor.

10. E. Court Usher
Prepares the court room, clerical duties,
calling witnesses and checking defendants
and lawyers are present and ready to go into
court.
F. Defendant
A person accused in a court of law.
G. Others
Police, the public and reporters.

11. What do Magistrates deal with?
• Preliminary matters such as bail and remand hearings under the Bail
Act 1976 and also legal aid.
• Trails and sentencing of summary offences (such as assault and
battery) and some offences that are triable either way.
• Transfer of a case to the Crown Court where the defendant has
pleaded not guilty to an offence that is triable either way and has
opted for a Crown Court trial.
• Some civil jurisdiction including hearing appeals for alcohol and
gaming licences, non-payment of council tax and TV licences

13. The six key qualities needed
• Good Character:-
Keeping the confidence, trusting and respecting others
• Commitment and reliability:-
Commitment to the role, be of good health and family support
• Social awareness:-
Ethnic, cultural and social awareness of defendant and victims
• Sound judgement:-
Think logically and make a judgement based on different arguments
• Understanding and communication:-
Understanding documents, identify facts, communication
• Maturity and sound temperament:-
Think logically and make a judgement based on different arguments

14. Just think what you could get out of being a lay magistrate.
• Skills
• Experience
• Understanding
• Career prospects
Why don’t you make a real difference in your community and
give something back.