About the magistrates court

This folder contains a set of materials about the magistrates court, taken from Law in action: learning through scripted role plays. Use the list below or the links to the right for information on the jurisdiction of the court, its place in the overall structure of the courts in England and Wales, court procedure and layout, sentencing options and profiles of the characters involved. A glossary of words and expressions used in the role plays is also included.

The materials

• court jurisdiction
• structure of the civil and criminal courts
• court procedure
• court layout
• sentencing options
• the characters
• glossary of terms

Further reading

A comprehensive description of the jurisdiction and powers of the magistrates court is given in Anthony and Berryman’s Magistrates’ Court Guide (Butterworths, updated annually). The definitive work is Stones Justices’ Manual (also Butterworths and updated annually), which runs to thousands of pages and three hefty volumes. It is relied upon by the court in daily practice and is invaluable as a reference book, even if it cannot be described as bedtime reading!

Becoming a magistrate

The magistrate is responsible for doing an important job in the community. How do people become magistrates?

The Lord Chancellor technically appoints all magistrates, from names recommended through advisory committees consisting of magistrates, judges, coroners and solicitors. People can apply to be considered or can be recommended. Lay magistrates (non-legally qualified) are given training to sit on the bench. They can claim expenses (travel and loss of earnings), but receive no pay. District judges (the old stipendiary magistrates) have the same powers as lay magistrates (although they can sit alone), and are paid for the job they do. District judges must be experienced barristers or solicitors.

Magistrates come from many different backgrounds. If you are interested in becoming a magistrate contact your local court for further details. Applications are particularly welcome from members of the ethnic minority communities (who are under-represented on the bench) and from young people (the minimum age for applicants is 27).

Last Modified: 4 June 2010