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.
