04-06-2025: Being a Magistrate
Shed members were treated to an enjoyable and informative talk by Ruth, a serving Magistrate for the Leeds and Bradford Magistrate's Courts.
Ruth talked on many topics about being a magistrate, from how she became one, to how the Magistrate Courts works, and what powers they have when dealing with offenders. She also talked about how the sentencing of offenders is determined within the Judicial system. Lively questions and answers sessions were enjoyed by all throughout the talk.
MAGISTRATES - DID YOU KNOW ?
1. Magistrates do not need to have formal legal qualifications before appointment
2. Magistrates can send criminals to prison for up to 1 year
3. Over 95% of criminal cases are heard in the magistrates' court
4. Until the 1970s lady magistrates were required to wear hats and gloves in court
5. Apart from expenses, Magistrates are trained unpaid volunteers
6. Magistrates are addressed as 'Your Worship' in court
7. The minimum age for becoming a magistrate is 18
8. Serving Police Officers cannot become magistrates
9. Magistrates can sign warrants for arrest
10. Magistrates determine what is in the best interests of a child when parents are separating and cannot agree
11. Magistrates do not have to wear a gown in court
12. Magistrates sometimes sit in the Crown Court
If you are interested in the work of a magistrate or becoming one please look at the attached Link. https://www.gov.uk/become-magistrate
Ruth talked on many topics about being a magistrate, from how she became one, to how the Magistrate Courts works, and what powers they have when dealing with offenders. She also talked about how the sentencing of offenders is determined within the Judicial system. Lively questions and answers sessions were enjoyed by all throughout the talk.
MAGISTRATES - DID YOU KNOW ?
1. Magistrates do not need to have formal legal qualifications before appointment
2. Magistrates can send criminals to prison for up to 1 year
3. Over 95% of criminal cases are heard in the magistrates' court
4. Until the 1970s lady magistrates were required to wear hats and gloves in court
5. Apart from expenses, Magistrates are trained unpaid volunteers
6. Magistrates are addressed as 'Your Worship' in court
7. The minimum age for becoming a magistrate is 18
8. Serving Police Officers cannot become magistrates
9. Magistrates can sign warrants for arrest
10. Magistrates determine what is in the best interests of a child when parents are separating and cannot agree
11. Magistrates do not have to wear a gown in court
12. Magistrates sometimes sit in the Crown Court
If you are interested in the work of a magistrate or becoming one please look at the attached Link. https://www.gov.uk/become-magistrate
