Around 95% of all legal claims and cases in the UK are dealt with by the Magistrates Court at some point. The types of case they typically deal with are:
Civil Cases
The Magistrates Court will deal with all kinds of civil cases, including; child welfare (such as adoption or foster care), anti-social behaviour, or matrimonial difficulties (in which a family member may be removed from the home). Any kind of civil debt issues, such as evasion of income tax or council tax can also be dealt with by Magistrates.
Criminal cases
The Magistrates Court is the starting place of all cases, some crimes such as robbery are known as ‘either way’ offenses that can be dealt with by the Magistrates Court or the Crown Court. When a case is forwarded to a Crown Court the outcome will be decided in a trial by jury. Serious Crimes such as rape and murder will be passed immediately to the Crown Court from the Magistrates Court.
The Magistrates Courts also deals with ‘summary offenses’, in these circumstances the defendant won’t have the right to a trial by jury. A summary offense can result in defendants either being sentenced to a maximum of six months in prison and/or a fine with a maximum limited of £5,000.
Youth Courts
In a Youth Court specially trained Magistrates deal with criminal offences by 10-17 year olds in a slightly less formal manner than a normal court hearing. They aim to ensure that the defendant doesn’t feel intimidated, and that their families are involved with their case so a much better understanding and resolution can be reached.
Become a Magistrate
One of the most interesting aspects of the Magistrates Court is that they will employ and train anyone to become a Magistrate. There is no need for law qualifications; all they ask for is individuals with a decent personal integrity and a passion for justice in their community.
It is a voluntary position that requests Magistrates attend 26 ½ days a year, which you are entitled to claim any expenses and a loss of earnings. All employers are required by law to give Magistrates time off and some will even offer paid time off.
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