... are aged 40+. They must also live in the court area or within 15 miles of that area. They also have to give a commitment that they will sit in court a minimum of 26 times per year and that they will do the necessary training. Lay magistrates do no receive any salary; only their expenses are paid for. Some people are not eligible to be appointed. These include people with criminal convictions, bankrupts, service personnel, police officers and wardens. Relatives of those working in the local criminal justice system are not likely to be appointed, and nor are close relatives of existing JPs in the same bench. A District Judge can replace lay magistrates. A District Judge must have a seven years legal experience as a barrister or solicitor. They are only appointed to courts in London or other big cities such as Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester. It would be too ...

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