Lay People Magistrates & Juries o You need to know: o Qualification; Appointment and Selection and Training; / Role (what they do) o Need to be able to comment upon: o Whether we have cross-representation of society as magistrates and juries o To what extent juries are randomly selected / how to improve selection o Advantages and disadvantages of using lay people in decision-making process. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
∑ “lay” meaning not legally qualified. ∑ Tradition of using non-legally qualified people in the decision-making process in our courts. This is cornerstone of our English legal system: o Fundamental right to trial "by one's peers" o Therefore, we need a cross-representation of society to be magistrates and juries. o [then justice is not only done, but seen to be done.]

Selection (picked): Randomly selected from electoral register
Selection(picked): Selected for their qualities
Requirements:
a) Formal requirements:
Age: 18 — 65 years (retire at 70 years old)
Residence: Within 15 miles of commission area of the court.
Minimum Time per year: 26 half days
b) Character requirements:
[1988 Lord Chancellor guidelines] 6 key qualities good: character / understanding & communication / social awareness / maturity & sound temperament / sound judgement / commitment & reliability.
INELIGIBLE:
∑ Those with serious criminal record
∑ Member of forces
∑ Those whose work incompatible
∑ E.g. police officer ... and their relatives.
LOCAL ADVISORY COMMITTEES:
∑ Advertise vacancies for magistrates
∑ Must consider anyone who applies or is nominated (e.g. by trade union ...)
∑ Members of committee: 12, current and ex-magistrates
∑ 2 interviews — one to assess attitudes,