ABSTRACT

Usually, there are three lay magistrates. Their decision (whether to acquit or to convict) is by simple majority. The chairman does not have a second or casting vote.

If only two lay justices hear a case but cannot agree on a verdict, they have no option but to adjourn the case for re-trial in front of a bench with three justices (R v Redbridge Justices ex p Ram [1992] QB 384; [1992] 1 All ER 652).