Magistrate

An unpaid, trained volunteer who hears and decides cases in a magistrates’ court, with advice on the law.

A judicial office-holder who deals mainly with less serious criminal cases in a Magistrates’ Court. Lay magistrates are trained volunteers supported by legal advisers.

The judiciary includes the judges and magistrates who decide cases, alongside those carrying out judicial roles in tribunals. Judicial independence means that decisions should be based on the law and evidence, not pressure from politicians, the police or public opinion.

In a trial with a jury, jurors decide guilt and the judge decides the sentence if the defendant is convicted. Magistrates can decide both guilt and sentence in cases they hear.

A trained community volunteer who hears cases and makes legal decisions, supported by a legal adviser; also called a Justice of the Peace.

Ordinary citizens also take part, including as jurors and magistrates.

Definition

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AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies · 8100

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Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies · 1CS0