Do magistrates sit alone?

Magistrates typically sit as a bench of three, mixed in gender, age and ethnicity where possible, to bring a broad experience of life to the bench. They can sit alone to hear warrant applications or deal with uncontested matters heard under the single justice procedure.

Who sits in front of the magistrates?

The Legal Adviser sits in front of the magistrates. They will read out the charge and ask the defendant to enter a plea. They provide the magistrates with legal advice, and help ensure the court runs smoothly. The court usher will call a defendant into court.

How is a magistrate different from a judge?

A magistrate is a judge who has limited authority to hear certain issues. In the federal court system, magistrates are judges appointed by the district judges of the court to assist the district court judges.

Is a magistrate better than a judge?

They have less authority than judges, and the scope of their power is more comparable to that of an administrator. Their jurisdiction is more limited and can cover only a region, district, province or county. The role of the magistrate is to arbitrate in the case summary of a trial, and they do not work with a jury.

Who is magistrate in Pakistan?

Magistrates fall under three main categories namely Magistrates of first class, Magistrates of Second Class and Magistrate of third Class. All Magistrates are subordinate to the Sessions Judge of their respective division.

What do magistrates do?

Are magistrates real judges?

District Judges (Magistrates' courts) hear criminal cases, youth cases and also some civil proceedings in Magistrates' courts. They can be authorised to hear cases in the Family Court. Some are authorised to deal with extradition proceedings and terrorist cases. They are also authorised to sit as prison adjudicators.

Can anybody be a magistrate?

Qualifications. You do not need formal qualifications or legal training to become a magistrate. You will get full training for the role, and a legal adviser in court will help you with questions about the law.

Can magistrate send you jail?

Sentences a magistrates' court can give

The court can give punishments including: up to 6 months in prison (or up to 12 months in total for more than one offence) a fine. a community sentence, like doing unpaid work in the community.

How do you address a magistrate?

When you speak to a District Judge or magistrate you should stand up and call them 'Sir' or 'Madam'. The press and public are usually allowed in the courtroom.

Do magistrates speak in court?

They sit in benches of three, including two 'wingers' and one who sits in the centre who has received special training to act as chair, known as the Presiding Justice. All three magistrates contribute equally to the decision-making but the Presiding Justice speaks on their behalf in court.

Are magistrates lay people?

Cases are heard either by three lay magistrates or one District Judge. The lay magistrates, or 'Justices of the Peace', as they are also known, are local people who volunteer their services. They don't have formal legal qualifications, but are given legal and procedural advice by qualified clerks.

What is the job of a magistrate?

Magistrates are volunteers who hear cases in court. They pass judgements and hand down short sentences, fines and other penalties.

What do you call a female magistrate?

Call the Magistrate 'Your Honour', 'Sir' or 'Madam'. Call others in the courtroom (such as lawyers and witnesses) by their title and surname; for example, Mrs Citizen. Be polite.

How do you impress a magistrate?

Also make sure you are polite and show respect at all times and when it's your turn to speak, talk directly to the judge rather than the person on the other side in the case and give brief, succinct answers. If you do not understand something the judge asks or do not hear the question fully, ask them to repeat it.

What powers do magistrates have?

Magistrates have sentencing powers that allow them to impose a range of sentences, including unlimited fines, bans, community orders and up to 12 months' custody, depending on the offence.

How serious is magistrates court?

“Summary” offences – can be heard only in magistrates' court

These are less serious cases such as low level motoring offences, disorderly behaviour, TV licence payment evasion and minor assaults.

What crimes do magistrates deal with?

How do magistrates decide guilt?

To prove that a defendant is guilty the prosecution must prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, often referred to as making the jmagistrates/judge 'satisfied so that they are sure' of the defendant's guilt. This is the standard of proof.

How can I become a magistrate in Pakistan?

Civil Judge Cum Judicial Magistrate

The basic qualifications required are an LL. B from any recognized university, and two years' experience as an advocate in the jurisdiction in question. The exams include various compulsory papers.

Is a magistrate a lawyer?

As magistrates do not need to have legal qualifications, they are advised in court on matters of law, practice and procedure.

Is it hard to be a magistrate?

What training do I need to be a magistrate? Magistrates do not need any specific legal training, nor do they sit exams. Instead, they undergo mandatory training of about three and a half days before sitting in court, and will be allocated a mentor for their first year.

Do magistrates sit in Family Court?

Magistrates are volunteers who hear cases in courts in their community. They can hear cases in the criminal court, the family court, or both.

Does a magistrate wear a wig?

Depending on the country and jurisdiction's traditions, members of the court (judges, magistrates, and so on) may wear formal robes, gowns, collars, or wigs.

Do magistrate judges wear wigs?

Today wigs must be worn in Criminal cases by barristers and Judges and not to abide by this rule would be considered an insult to the Court. Wig wearing by Judges and barristers in family and civil proceedings tends to be reserved for ceremonial purposes only theses days.

What are the two types of magistrate?

The Regional Magistrates' Courts at present only deal with criminal cases whereas the district Magistrates' Courts deal with criminal and civil cases.