... do not equally represent the political views of the area they represent. There is a similar case concerning the race of magistrates. In 1987 there were only 2% of black magistrates, compared to 5% in the population. The figures for 1992 showed the percentage had not increased. But in certain areas there has been considerable success in appointing more magistrates from ethnic minorities. However when it comes to gender, you will find it is very evenly spread between the 2 sexes. There are 54% male magistrates and 46% female. Using a magistrate system is beneficial because it works out a lot cheaper. Lots of cases, which would normally end up in the Crown Court, which would cost much more, can be tried by magistrates and this saves huge amounts of much needed money. The magistrate system is also good because it allows members of the public to apply and this allows ...

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