qualification, selection and appointment of lay magistrates

applicants must be aged between 18-65 years on appointment, although they are not required to retire until they reach 70, magistrates are require to love or work in the area within or near to the local justice area to which they are allocated

magistrates do not need specific qualifications, although they are required to possess 6 key qualities. these include; social awareness, good character and communication

some people are disqualified. these include anyone with a criminal conviction other than for minor motoring matters and anyone who has a relative employed in the local criminal justice system

they will…