The work of Lay Magiastrates

Lay Magistrates deal with all summary offences eg. driving without a license
Lay Magistrates are ordinary members of the local community who volunteer to sit on the bench in the magistrates court.
Lay Magistrates also deal with some either way offences, eg. theft.
1. This is only when they are prepared to accept jurisdiction and feel their sentencing powers a sufficient for the offence.
Sentencing powers of Law Magistrates: up to six months prison sentence, fine of up to £5000, community orders. Or any combination of these.
Magistrates also deal with the preliminary hearings of any traible either way offence that is going to the crown court.
Magistrates also deal with the 1st preliminary hearings of all indictable offences.
Specially trained magistrates can try cases in youth court (defendants aged 10-17 years of age)
Magistrates deal with all the side matters connected to criminal cases such as issuing warrants for search and arrest and deciding bail applications.

Resource summary

	Created by emilyrae about 11 years ago