Lay Magistrates HASHMA KHAN

Introduction

In this PowerPoint will encourage general public to consider taking up the position of being a Lay Magistrate. This PowerPoint will include text, images and links to further resources.

This link will identify exactly who sits in the courts and what their roles are whilst cases are going on;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeNDacwO5NA

Lay Magistrates

Legal Advisor Usher

Prosecuting Solicitor

Defence Solicitor

Defendant

Lay Magistrates have the ability to understand the situation better than other judges in different professions, due to the fact that the Lay Magistrates will usually be individuals who actually live within the community, as well as the fact that they are all different, and not the usual judges that you would come across when in court.

For example they may be a young woman. This has also been statistically proven as they are over 40% of women that work as a Lay Magistrate, compared to any other profession which relate to judges.

This factor appeals to people, due to the fact that there are more chances for people to get into this area within the legal system, also due to the fact that there are not specific people that they are looking for.

Also due to the fact that Lay Magistrates live close to the area, which they work within they have more knowledge of what has been occurring within the area, and already know the basic background, and any problems within the area.

This is beneficial for Lay Magistrates, because they do not have to travel far, as well as the fact they will be able to make their community better, because they will be able to deal with the problem specifically.

Lay Magistrates also have support from legal advisor, who will help them clarify, as well as giving them advice, and make sure that they follow the fight procedure.

This is beneficial for individuals due to the fact that even if they do not fully understand the law, there will be someone who will be able to provide you with an understanding and guide you, so you have full support, and knowledge.

The Lay Magistrates that have been selected may not be legally trained. However they do go through training.

This is beneficial for people who are want to do something which relates to law. Due to the fact that it is expensive to have a career within the legal departments. This is easier for people because if they can’t afford to study law, then they can go into a career like this, and they will be trained and provided with support from legal advisor, as shown in the previous slide.

Also the people that are employed to be Lay Magistrates are equally split in gender as ‘about forty nine percent of Magistrates are women (Home Office 2003 figures) whereas judges average only about ten percent.’ http://www.bitsoflaw.org/legal-system/criminal-courts/model-answer/a-level/lay-magistrates-advantages

This is beneficial for individuals due to the fact that they will not discriminate people on their gender.

Conclusion

This PowerPoint will have outlined the role of Lay Magistrates, and what is appealing about lay magistrates, as well as developing a further understanding by text, images and links.