ABSTRACT
The magistrates’ court Most cases in a magistrates’ court are dealt with by lay magistrates, also known as Justices of the Peace. They are unpaid and unqualified people drawn from the local community and are appointed on the recommendation of Area Committees. The Judicial Studies Board arranges some basic training for lay magistrates on appointment and in their second and third years, followed by refresher courses every three years. Lay magistrates sit in groups to make decisions and are assisted on points of law by a legally qualified Clerk of the Court.
