Who Is A Magistrate?
The term magistrate is used in a variety of systems of governments and laws to refer to a civilian officer who administers the law. In ancient Rome, a magistratus was one of the highest ranking government officers, and possessed both judicial and executive powers.
How To Become A Magistrate In Uganda
- The Candidates should be Ugandans who. possess an Honours LLB degree from a recognized University/ Institution. and a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from Law Development Centre.
- Any relevant post graduate qualification. is an added advantage.
- Age: 25 Years and above.
What Role Does The Magistrate?
Magistrates listen carefully to all evidence given in court and follow structured decision-making processes (such as sentencing guidelines in criminal cases) and case law to reach fair decisions. They are advised on points of law by a legal adviser who sits in court with them.
What Is An Example Of A Magistrate?
The definition of a magistrate is a civil or lay judge or other official who is responsible for administering and enforcing the laws, usually by holding hearings on minor offenses. A judge that hears traffic ticket cases and fines people is an example of a magistrate. A civil officer empowered to administer the law.
Do Magistrates Get Paid?
Magistrates are not paid, but many employers allow their employees time off with pay. If you lose out on pay, you can claim an allowance at a set rate, as well as allowances for travel and subsistence.
How Are Magistrates Selected?
Magistrates are members of the local community appointed by the Lord Chancellor to sit in magistrates’ courts and decide on cases brought before them. Magistrates are appointed from the age of 18 and all magistrates retire at the age of 70.
What Is Difference Between Judge And Magistrate?
A magistrate is a minor judicial officer or a civil officer of a state who handles minor cases in a specific area like a town, district etc. A Judge is a judicial officer who administers court proceedings and gives the judgment on the legal cases after analyzing the facts and evidence related to the case.
How Long Is Magistrates Training?
Magistrates do not need any specific legal training, nor do they sit exams. Instead, they undergo mandatory training of about three and a half days before sitting in court, and will be allocated a mentor for their first year.
What Skills Do You Need To Be A Magistrate?
All Magistrates will take the same judicial oath as a Judge before beginning training.
- Well aware of current social issues.
- Mature and fair.
- Reliable and punctual.
- Excellent at communication.
- Able to understand legal-related documents.
- Good at decision-making.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Magistrates?
- Prosecution Biased- As untrained , they may side with the police.
- Inconsistent-May forget sentences due to working only 13 days a year.
- Case Hardened-May judge defendants on a case before.
- Unrepresentative of society- Only people with free time.
Can I Become A Magistrate With A Criminal Record?
Having a criminal record does not automatically rule out working as a magistrate, but people who have been convicted or a serious crime, or a number of minor crimes are unlikely to apply successfully.
What Cases Do Magistrates Deal With?
- Summary offences. These are less serious cases, such as motoring offences and minor assaults, where the defendant is not entitled to trial by jury.
- Either-way offences.
- Indictable-only offences.
What Sentencing Powers Do Magistrates Have?
Magistrates have sentencing powers that allow them to impose a range of sentences, including unlimited fines, bans, community orders and up to 12 months’ custody, depending on the offence.
Why Do I Want To Become A Magistrate?
By helping to uphold the law you will be making your local community a safer place to live. You can also help offenders try to make good the damage they have done to others through their offences by getting them involved in unpaid community work.
Are Magistrates Unqualified?
Lay people can refer to lay magistrates and juries. Over 95% of criminal cases are dealt with by magistrates. Magistrates are unqualified and not paid. They normally sit as a bench of 2 or 3 magistrates to hear a case.
What Are The Advantages Of Magistrates Court?
Magistrates’ Courts advantages: – If you intend to plead guilty, you should keep your case in the Magistrates’ Court, where you are likely to get a lower penalty. – Your case will most likely be heard sooner. – Procedures in court are simpler.