What skills do you need to be a magistrate?

You also need to be able to: understand documents, follow evidence and communicate effectively. think logically, weigh up arguments and reach a fair decision….Personal qualities

  • aware of social issues.
  • mature, understand people and have a sense of fairness.
  • reliable and committed to serving the community.

Can magistrate send you jail?

Sentences a magistrates’ court can give The court can give punishments including: up to 6 months in prison (or up to 12 months in total for more than one offence) a fine. a community sentence, like doing unpaid work in the community.

Why do magistrates sit in panels of 3?

A bench consists of three magistrates sitting together in order to decide if the defendant is innocent or guilty: in other words, has the case been proved or not. The magistrate who sits in the centre is the chair of that particular court and is also responsible for addressing the court on behalf of their colleagues.

Is magistrate a judge?

A magistrate is a minor judicial officer or a civil officer who administers the law in a particular area like a town, district etc. He handles legal cases just like a judge but does not have as much power as a judge.

What is the longest sentence a magistrates can give?

In the magistrates’ court, the maximum sentence that can be imposed on an adult defendant for a single either-way offence is 12 months’ imprisonment and/or a fine.

Who Cannot be a magistrate?

There are only a few exceptions: Police officers, traffic wardens and members of the armed forces cannot become magistrates. This is to make sure that magistrates are impartial. Some criminal offences can prevent a person from becoming a magistrate.

What is the title of a magistrate?

How to Address a Magistrate or Chief Magistrate. A magistrate is a judge in Magistrate Court. A retired magistrate continues to be addressed as the Honorable (full name) and as Judge (surname) for life. If he or she is a chief magistrate, use the complete title in an introduction.

How many types of magistrates are there?

Candidates here should also know that there are basically two kinds of magistrates – Judicial Magistrates and Executive Magistrates.

Who are magistrates appointed by?

Who are the magistrates? Magistrates are members of the local community appointed by the Lord Chancellor to sit in magistrates’ courts and decide on cases brought before them.