Judicial roles | Magistrates. Who are they? All magistrates sit in adult criminal courts as panels of three, mixed in gender, age and ethnicity whenever possible to bring a broad experience of life to the bench. All three members of the panel have equal decision-making powers but only one member, the chairman, speaks in court and presides over proceedings.
A qualified legal adviser is available to the panel at all times. Magistrates do not require legal training. However, all magistrates must undertake a compulsory programme of practical training which prepares them to sit in court. Each magistrate should sit for at least 26 half-days each year. What they do Magistrates deal with over 95% of all criminal cases, either in the adult court, or in the youth court. Magistrates hear less serious criminal cases, such as minor theft, criminal damage, public disorder and motoring offences. Magistrates also decide many civil matters, particularly in relation to family work. Appointment The retirement age for magistrates is 70. About the judiciary. The CPS : The Code for Crown Prosecutors: Easy Read. Decided cases - The Supreme Court. Ecran d'accueil - Cour de justice de l’Union européenne.
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