Magistrates how many are there

Chief magistrates assist in the training and supervision of magistrates within each district. Pay Traffic Tickets and Other Offenses. Payment Policies for Fines and Costs. Employment Opportunities. Magistrate judges perform a wide range of duties in civil and criminal cases. In civil cases, they will hear pre trial motions, conduct settlement and pre trial conferences, and may, on assignment, handle dispositive motions and, with the consent of the parties, may conduct the trial.

In criminal cases, they will handle most pre-trial matters, including initial appearance of a defendant before a judge, arraignment on charges, including taking a plea of guilty or not guilty, and determining whether the defendant should be detained or released pending trial.

Magistrate judges handle all petty offense cases and most misdemeanor cases. Magistrate judges also handle appeals from social security decisions and most petitions by prisoners for review of their convictions, and conditions of confinement. These matters, such as civil case scheduling conferences and supplemental and collection proceedings and criminal case initial appearances and detention hearings, do not require a reference. Civil cases are commonly referred to magistrate judges in two ways, called "A" and "B" referrals, under 28 U.

See also DUCivR b and c. For more information on recruitment, visit the new magistrates landing page external link, opens in a new tab. Magistrates: Can be appointed from the age of 18, and retire at 70; Are volunteers, and there are around 23, from all walks of life; Do not need legal qualifications they are assisted in court by a legal adviser ; Must be available to carry out at least 26 half-day court sittings a year; Although unpaid, can claim expenses, typically for travel to and from court.

Becoming a magistrate Candidates must satisfy the Lord Chancellor that they meet six criteria: Good character; Understanding and communication; Social awareness; Maturity and sound temperament; Sound judgement; Commitment and reliability. How to apply Magistrates are recruited by local Advisory Committees in each region. Time and money Magistrates need to be able to commit at least 26 half-days per year to sit in court.

Did you find what you were looking for? You must be aged between 18 and 70 and have no serious past criminal convictions. No legal qualifications are required to become a magistrate; you will receive all the training you need. There are a small number of jobs which could prevent you from being a magistrate due to a conflict of interest, for example if you are a police officer you cannot sit in criminal courts.