The Roles Of Lay Magistrates

For All Types of Offences

• Powers under the bail act 1976 to grant bail or remand in custody

For Triable Either Way Offences Only

• If plead guilty, sentence / Crown Court
• If plead not guilty, hold a mode of trial hearing to decide who should hear the case

For Indictable Either Way Offfences

• Carry out a proceess called 'sending for trial'

Other Points

• Pre-Trial review to ensure both sides are ready

• 3 Magistrates
• Hear evidence from both sides - presecution and defence
• Advised on points of law by legal adviser
• Routine to discuss decision in private
• Decide innocence or guilt as a majority or unanimous vote
• Chair person delivers verdict
• Gives reasons for decision

Appeals

• Hears appeals with judges against convictions or sentances

Youth Court

• Specially trained magistrates will deal with young offenders aged 10-17 years

Other Points

• Train new magistrates
• School visits - forge links with communities
• Grants warrants to letpolice search premises and to arrest