This presentation is based on lay magistrates

Passionate for bringing justice ?

Why not become a lay magistrate within the criminal justice system then?

To become a magistrate you must be:

•Aged 18 - 65 years•Have good health and hearing .•Not a bankrupt and of good character.•Not associated with the administration of justice like police.•Have a clean DBS check.

6 qualities to become a lay magistrate are;

Good character Understanding and communication Social awareness Maturity and sound temperament Sound judgement Commitment and reliability

The magistrates selection process

Benefits for magistrates !!!

Working with qualified lay magistrates

Travel expenses paid only required to work

for 13 days a year

Further training

opportunitiesWorking alongside qualified magistrates

Work in your local areaAnd add to your curriculum vitae

Broader case hearing

opportunities And giving stricter

sentences to prevent

re occurance of crime

Magistrates deal with the following listed cases

Magistrates can-

enforce council tax demands and issuing warrants of entry and investigations.

refuse of a licence to sell alcohol. issue family orders for protection against violence and maintenance

orders. Proceed concerns for the welfare of children under the Children Act,

1989, rape cases, GBH cases and robbery .

Civil cases such as money not paid, theft , causing bodily harm, driving without insurance , obtaining property by deception, youth cases between

10-17 years, perjury and other motoring offences.

Why do people use the magistrates courts ?

• Magistrates can give higher sentences

• Magistrates have legal knowledge.

• Magistrates are experienced professionals with training undertaken.

Background on the court system in

England and Wales

• All criminal cases in England and Wales start in a magistrates’ court.• 3 members in lay magistrates courts.• County courts deal with less serious offences• Crown courts deal with serious offences and are based with 1 judge and jury members.• Crown Court cases can be heard by Circuit Judges, Recorders or a High Court Judge,

depending on the seriousness of the Crime and its impact on society.

Background on the court system in

England and Wales

People go to court for ;

failure to pay council tax or child maintenance,

debt, repossession of property,

personal injury and insolvency.

Family courts deal with matters such as parental disputes, local authority

intervention to protect children, involvement of social services or matrimonial

cases such as divorce , financial hardship for mothers ,crisis situations or mental

health issues for parents/carers or breakdowns, domestic violence or adoption

and safeguarding of children.

My role as a magistrate ?

Provide justice to victims

County courts

• Magistrates' courts deal with 97% of cases are completed there.

• The County Court, often referred to as the small claims court, deals with civil matters, such as; -

• Claims for debt repayment, including enforcing court orders and return of goods bought on credit,

• Breach of contract concerning goods or property.

• Housing disputes, including mortgage and council rent arrears and re-possession. Also drug supply or intent can be considered.

Magistrates follow criminal practice handbooks to gain knowledge

• Defendants are then found guilty or not guilty and either sentences or made free to go depending on evidence and outcome of case !!!

Clerks have a big impact in the magistrates courts as they ensure the smooth

running of cases.

Do you want to be the leader to change society?

It is your choice

and your

conscience!!!

Your community

Do you have the willpower?

Proove your abilities then !

Be the person to change victims

lives !!

Can you face a challenge? Think you can cope?

Why not join and try?

Come and join the magistrates team The satisfaction will be paramount !!

Thank you for watching !!!!

To become a magistrate, go to;

Www.gov.uk/become/magistrate/apply-to-be-a-magistrate.