... by a district judge (magistrates' court) who will usually sit alone. Lay magistrates are also known as Justices of the Peace (J.P.'s), they are not legally qualified and are unpaid and have a qualified clerk to help advise them on law. District Judges (magistrates' court) are legally qualified and full time magistrates appointed by the crown. There is no jury in the magistrates' court. The Magistratres' court has both criminal and civil jurisdiction, this is as follows: in criminal law, summary offences,indictable offences, offences triable either way, youth courts and examining Magistrates for the Transfer for Trial procedure. In Civil law, civil debts such as council tax and licensing. Magistrates cannot order sentences of imprisonment which exceed 6 months (or 12 months for consecutive sentences) or fines exceeding £5,000. If a more severe sentence is thought neccessary in triable either way offences then the defendant may be committed to the ...

See this essay or coursework document in full right now