Describe the selection,training and role of a lay magistrate

There are over thirty thousand lay magistrates in England and Wales. Lay magistrates are also known as a Justice of the Peace and try over one million criminal cases a year. Due to the importance of a lay magistrate’s role in criminal jurisdiction there are selection principles for a magistrate to abide to, this is to make sure that everybody receives a fair trial.

To be a candidate for appointment as lay magistrate you have to be nominated by one of three groups. The three groups are Political Parties, Trade Unions and Charities. For somebody to become a lay magistrate legal or academic qualifications are not necessary. Candidates do however have to be over the age of twenty-one and under the age of sixty. Although there is a wide age range for somebody to become a lay magistrate most people are usually appointed under the age of twenty-seven. Candidates should also live within fifteen miles of their Commission Area; this is an area that has a number of Magistrates Courts. Even if somebody abides with all the restrictions they may still not be able to be a lay magistrate because there are five groups of people that are forbidden to be a lay magistrate. People

 The jobs that the court has to perform

 Sentencing exercises to develop the skill of sentencing offenders

4. Deal with family law cases including orders for protection in a family home

4. People with serious criminal convictions

6. Applications for warrants from the police to search premises and police warrants for arrest

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