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Chapter DMBM660070

Document Cited in Related
Vincent
Published date29 April 2016
Record NumberDMBM660070
Magistrates (also known as Lay Justices)

Cases in the magistrates’ court are heard before ‘the bench’, which normally comprises

  • three or occasionally two magistrates, sitting together, who are drawn from the local community, or sometimes
  • a professional magistrate, who is a district judge and sits alone.

Magistrates make decisions after hearing the evidence presented by the prosecution and the defence. In civil actions for tax debts they will make orders for payment. They can question any of the parties to the action to clarify any point and will discuss any legal points of doubt with the clerk of the court.

You should address magistrates as ‘your worships’.

The clerk of the court or legal advisor

The clerk of the court, deputy clerk, or legal advisor is an experienced solicitor, barrister or holder of the Diploma in Law...

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