This document discusses becoming a lay magistrate in England and Wales. To become a magistrate, applicants must be between 18-65 years old, in good health, of good character, and pass a criminal background check. Magistrates deal with civil cases like theft, assaults, and motoring offenses, as well as family law cases. The role of magistrates is to provide justice to victims by overseeing cases in magistrates' courts and sentencing offenders if they are found guilty.

1. This presentation is based on lay magistrates

3. Passionate for bringing justice ?
Why not become a lay magistrate within
the criminal justice system then?

4. The magistrates selection process
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

5. Work in your local area
And add to your curriculum vitae
Benefits for
magistrates !!!
Working with qualified lay
magistrates
Travel expenses paid
only required to work
for 13 days a year
Further
training
Working alongside qualified opportunities
magistrates
Broader case
hearing
opportunities
And giving stricter
sentences to
prevent
re occurance of
crime

6. Magistrates deal with the following listed
cases
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.
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 .

7. Why do people use
the magistrates
courts ?
• Magistrates can give higher
sentences
• Magistrates have legal
knowledge.
• Magistrates are experienced
professionals with training
undertaken.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. My role as a magistrate ?
Provide justice to victims

11. 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 !!!

12. Clerks have a big impact
in the magistrates courts
as they ensure the smooth
running of cases.

13. Do you want to be the leader to change society?
It is your choice
and your
conscience!!!
Your
community

15. Do you have the willpower?
Proove your
abilities then !
Be the person to
change victims
lives !!

16. Can you face a challenge?
Think you can cope?
Why not join and try?

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

18. Thank you for watching !!!!
To become a magistrate, go to;
Www.gov.uk/become/magistrate/apply-to-be-a-magistrate.