Training of Magistrates: have you included in your notes? Think what are the advantages & disadvantages? * Judicial Studies Board has overall responsibility * Operates through regional Courts Board areas * Each area responsible for delivering training * Delivered by Justices’ Clerk * Local Magistrates’ Area Training Committee sets training priorities – agrees annual training plan * Magistrates’ Association consulted on training * Works with Judicial Studies Board to develop materials
Training of Magistrates * Each year Court Service and JSB produce minimum training document * Sets out minimum training provision and additional training * Not all training for all magistrates * Compulsory training for new magistrates designed to prepare them for sitting in court * Usually delivered locally by Justices’ Clerk
Includes:
* Basic introduction to role and responsibilities * Preliminary reading and three days of training * Three court observations * Visit to a prison * Visit to young offenders’ institution * Visit to probation service facility

* After completion can start to sit in court * New magistrate then develops in role * After a year receives consolidation training * Normally for two days equivalent * Includes training on law procedures and skills * Best way to learn is from experience in court * All new magistrates given a mentor - especially trained magistrates * In first year have at least 6 sessions with mentor * After 2 years opportunities to specialize * Youth court or Family Proceedings Court * Can undertake training to become chairman of bench * Also new legislation training or sentencing policy * Materials include: Adult Bench Book, Family Bench Book, Youth Bench Book