Ever wondered who decides the fate of defendants in many...
Law243 views·Updated 30 Jun 2026·2 pagesMagistrates and Lay People Explained
1
of 2
Who Are Lay Magistrates and What Do They Need?
Lay magistrates (also called Justices of the Peace) are basically regular people who decide whether defendants are guilty or innocent. They don't need law degrees - instead, they need the right personal qualities to do the job properly.
The key qualities include good character, strong communication skills, and social awareness of modern issues like non-binary gender identity and female genital mutilation (FGM). They also need sound judgement to make the right decisions under pressure and maturity with a balanced temperament.
There are practical requirements too: magistrates must be aged 18-65 years and commit to at least 26 half days of service each year. They should live near the area where they'll handle cases, making them part of the local community they serve.
Quick Fact: Some people can't become magistrates, including those with serious criminal convictions, bankrupts, police officers, army personnel, and anyone not physically fit for the role.
2
of 2
How Magistrates Get Appointed and What They Actually Do
The Lord Chief Justice (head of all judges) appoints magistrates, though this power can be passed to the Senior Presiding Judge. A Local Advisory Committee made up of current and former magistrates helps with these appointments.
Becoming a magistrate involves a proper recruitment process - positions are advertised in local media, and candidates face a two-stage selection process with interview panels. Once appointed, magistrates work in groups called benches with a chairperson and two other magistrates.
Magistrates don't just handle criminal cases. They work in youth courts and family courts, deal with appeals, and even help train new magistrates. The Magisterial Committee of the Judicial College provides their training, including essential core training for beginners.
Top Tip: Magistrates get crucial support from a magistrates' clerk - a legally qualified lawyer with at least 5 years' experience who advises them on legal points, issues warrants, and handles administrative hearings.
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Law243 views·Updated 30 Jun 2026·2 pagesMagistrates and Lay People Explained
Ever wondered who decides the fate of defendants in many criminal cases? Lay magistrates are ordinary people without legal qualifications who play a massive role in the UK's criminal justice system, making crucial decisions about guilt and innocence.
1
of 2
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Who Are Lay Magistrates and What Do They Need?
Lay magistrates (also called Justices of the Peace) are basically regular people who decide whether defendants are guilty or innocent. They don't need law degrees - instead, they need the right personal qualities to do the job properly.
The key qualities include good character, strong communication skills, and social awareness of modern issues like non-binary gender identity and female genital mutilation (FGM). They also need sound judgement to make the right decisions under pressure and maturity with a balanced temperament.
There are practical requirements too: magistrates must be aged 18-65 years and commit to at least 26 half days of service each year. They should live near the area where they'll handle cases, making them part of the local community they serve.
Quick Fact: Some people can't become magistrates, including those with serious criminal convictions, bankrupts, police officers, army personnel, and anyone not physically fit for the role.
2
of 2Sign up to see the content. It'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 Magistrates Get Appointed and What They Actually Do
The Lord Chief Justice (head of all judges) appoints magistrates, though this power can be passed to the Senior Presiding Judge. A Local Advisory Committee made up of current and former magistrates helps with these appointments.
Becoming a magistrate involves a proper recruitment process - positions are advertised in local media, and candidates face a two-stage selection process with interview panels. Once appointed, magistrates work in groups called benches with a chairperson and two other magistrates.
Magistrates don't just handle criminal cases. They work in youth courts and family courts, deal with appeals, and even help train new magistrates. The Magisterial Committee of the Judicial College provides their training, including essential core training for beginners.
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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.
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