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31 Dec 2025
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Understanding Lay Magistrates and Juries in Law
amelie
@106amelie
1 / 4
Lay Magistrates: Who Can Do It and How They're Chosen
Think of lay magistrates as your local community's legal volunteers - they're ordinary people who help run the justice system without any formal legal training. To become one, you need to be aged 18-65 when you apply (though you must retire at 70) and live or work near the court area you'd serve.
The brilliant thing about magistrates is that no formal qualifications are required - it's all about having the right personal qualities like reliability, good character, and commitment. However, there are some obvious disqualifications: serious criminal convictions, bankruptcy, driving bans, or conflicts of interest like being a police officer.
The selection process involves applying to your Local Advisory Committee (LAC), then facing two interviews that test your personal qualities and judicial aptitude. The LAC deliberately tries to get a good cross-section of society to represent the local community properly.
Quick Fact: You'll need to commit to at least 26 half-days per year of unpaid work and serve for a minimum of 5 years - it's a proper commitment!
What Lay Magistrates Actually Do
Here's where magistrates become absolutely crucial to our justice system - they handle an incredible 95% of all criminal offences. That's nearly everything that goes through the courts! They work in a "bench" of three, with one acting as chairperson to keep things running smoothly.
Magistrates deal with less serious cases (called summary offences) and have a maximum sentencing power of 6 months imprisonment. When they encounter more serious or complicated cases, they can send them up to the Crown Court where judges take over.
Beyond just hearing cases, magistrates handle loads of important stuff: bail applications, enforcing fines, and authorising search warrants. Specially trained magistrates even work in Youth Courts dealing with 10-17 year olds.
Real Impact: Magistrates can also sit in Crown Court to hear appeals from their own court decisions, working alongside a proper judge in panels of three.
Juries: The Basics of Getting Called Up
Jury service is one of those civic duties that could land on your doorstep when you least expect it! Under the Juries Act 1974, you're eligible if you're aged 18-75, registered to vote, and have lived in the UK for at least 5 years since you were 13.
However, there are several ways to get out of it legally. You're permanently disqualified if you're on bail, have served 5+ years in prison, or have certain mental health conditions. Temporary disqualification lasts 10 years and applies to people with suspended sentences or community orders.
The Jury Central Summoning Bureau picks names randomly from electoral registers using computer selection. They summon more than 12 people because courts need multiple juries and they know some will be excused or deferred.
You can apply for deferrals (delaying service for up to 12 months) for good reasons like exams, operations, or pre-booked holidays. Discretionary excusals work similarly for things like serious illness or having a small baby.
Did You Know?: Everyone gets an automatic DBS check to make sure they're not disqualified - the system takes this stuff seriously!
How Juries Work in Criminal Trials
Once selected, jurors swear an oath to "faithfully try the defendant according to the evidence" - this is where things get properly serious. Each jury is empanelled for just one case, so you're totally focused on that single trial.
The jury's job is straightforward but crucial: listen to evidence and barristers' arguments, hear the judge's summary, decide the facts, then apply the law as the judge explains it. After retiring to the jury room for secret discussions, they must return a verdict of guilty or not guilty.
Unanimous verdicts (all 12 agreeing) are preferred, but majority verdicts are acceptable if at least 10 jurors agree. The spokesperson then announces the verdict in open court - imagine that pressure!
Both prosecution and defence can challenge jurors through "challenge for cause" (removing individual jurors for specific reasons) or "challenge to array" (very rarely, challenging the whole jury as unrepresentative).
Key Point: What happens in the jury room stays in the jury room - their discussions are completely secret and can never be investigated, even if the verdict seems wrong to others.
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Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Lay Magistrates and Juries in Law
amelie
@106amelie
The UK justice system relies heavily on ordinary people to help deliver justice through two key roles: lay magistrates and juries. These unpaid volunteers handle the vast majority of criminal cases and represent one of the most important ways citizens... Show more
Lay Magistrates: Who Can Do It and How They're Chosen
Think of lay magistrates as your local community's legal volunteers - they're ordinary people who help run the justice system without any formal legal training. To become one, you need to be aged 18-65 when you apply (though you must retire at 70) and live or work near the court area you'd serve.
The brilliant thing about magistrates is that no formal qualifications are required - it's all about having the right personal qualities like reliability, good character, and commitment. However, there are some obvious disqualifications: serious criminal convictions, bankruptcy, driving bans, or conflicts of interest like being a police officer.
The selection process involves applying to your Local Advisory Committee (LAC), then facing two interviews that test your personal qualities and judicial aptitude. The LAC deliberately tries to get a good cross-section of society to represent the local community properly.
Quick Fact: You'll need to commit to at least 26 half-days per year of unpaid work and serve for a minimum of 5 years - it's a proper commitment!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
What Lay Magistrates Actually Do
Here's where magistrates become absolutely crucial to our justice system - they handle an incredible 95% of all criminal offences. That's nearly everything that goes through the courts! They work in a "bench" of three, with one acting as chairperson to keep things running smoothly.
Magistrates deal with less serious cases (called summary offences) and have a maximum sentencing power of 6 months imprisonment. When they encounter more serious or complicated cases, they can send them up to the Crown Court where judges take over.
Beyond just hearing cases, magistrates handle loads of important stuff: bail applications, enforcing fines, and authorising search warrants. Specially trained magistrates even work in Youth Courts dealing with 10-17 year olds.
Real Impact: Magistrates can also sit in Crown Court to hear appeals from their own court decisions, working alongside a proper judge in panels of three.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Juries: The Basics of Getting Called Up
Jury service is one of those civic duties that could land on your doorstep when you least expect it! Under the Juries Act 1974, you're eligible if you're aged 18-75, registered to vote, and have lived in the UK for at least 5 years since you were 13.
However, there are several ways to get out of it legally. You're permanently disqualified if you're on bail, have served 5+ years in prison, or have certain mental health conditions. Temporary disqualification lasts 10 years and applies to people with suspended sentences or community orders.
The Jury Central Summoning Bureau picks names randomly from electoral registers using computer selection. They summon more than 12 people because courts need multiple juries and they know some will be excused or deferred.
You can apply for deferrals (delaying service for up to 12 months) for good reasons like exams, operations, or pre-booked holidays. Discretionary excusals work similarly for things like serious illness or having a small baby.
Did You Know?: Everyone gets an automatic DBS check to make sure they're not disqualified - the system takes this stuff seriously!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
How Juries Work in Criminal Trials
Once selected, jurors swear an oath to "faithfully try the defendant according to the evidence" - this is where things get properly serious. Each jury is empanelled for just one case, so you're totally focused on that single trial.
The jury's job is straightforward but crucial: listen to evidence and barristers' arguments, hear the judge's summary, decide the facts, then apply the law as the judge explains it. After retiring to the jury room for secret discussions, they must return a verdict of guilty or not guilty.
Unanimous verdicts (all 12 agreeing) are preferred, but majority verdicts are acceptable if at least 10 jurors agree. The spokesperson then announces the verdict in open court - imagine that pressure!
Both prosecution and defence can challenge jurors through "challenge for cause" (removing individual jurors for specific reasons) or "challenge to array" (very rarely, challenging the whole jury as unrepresentative).
Key Point: What happens in the jury room stays in the jury room - their discussions are completely secret and can never be investigated, even if the verdict seems wrong to others.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Legal Entities
Most popular content in Law
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user