Site last updated
November 2007

There are approximately 30,000 JPs in England and Wales. Greater Manchester has almost 2,000, approximately 150 of whom sit in Trafford. Magistrates in Trafford, as elsewhere, represent a cross section of the community, coming from different backgrounds, occupations, religions and politics.
Magistrates are unpaid, but receive a contribution towards necessary expenses.
Although we undertake a substantial amount of training, we are not lawyers.
Read on for further information:

• some more facts
• the duties and responsibilities of a magistrate
• The Magistrates’ Association

 

Some more facts:

• All criminal cases, from non-payment of a parking fine to murder, appear initially at a magistrates’ court.
• Over 97% of adult criminal cases are finalised at a magistrates’ court.
• Over 99% of youth cases are finalised at a magistrates’ court
• Over 99% of motoring cases are finalised at a magistrates’ court
• The remaining cases, which are usually the most serious, are sent to Crown Court for trial or sentence.
• Fewer than 1% of cases finalised at magistrates’ courts are appealed.
• Of these appeals, fewer than 30% are upheld.

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Duties and responsibilities of a magistrate

Magistrates work in local courts - the magistrates' courts. They consider the evidence and make decisions in a fair, unbiased and structured manner. The work covers a wide range of criminal and civil matters. In criminal cases heard in the Adult and Youth Courts, magistrates:

• decide on requests for remand in custody
• decide on applications for bail
• decide whether a case should be adjourned
• determine whether a defendant is guilty or not following a trial
• pass sentence on a defendant who has been found guilty or who has pleaded guilty
• commit a defendant to the Crown Court for sentence
• enforce financial penalties
• may determine the venue at which a case will be heard

In civil cases heard in the Family Proceedings Court magistrates make decisions on a range of issues affecting children and families.
Magistrates are also asked to decide whether to grant certain orders, licences or certificates, for example, liquor licences, although this is due to change in the near future.
In a magistrates' court the justices usually sit as a Bench of three; when sitting as a Youth Bench or as a Family Proceedings Panel there must be at least one man and one woman justice on the Bench.
When hearing cases magistrates have to ascertain the facts and then apply the law to them with the help and advice of a qualified court clerk.
Magistrates may sit with a judge in the Crown Court to hear appeals from magistrates' courts against conviction or sentence.

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The Magistrates’ Association

The Magistrates’ Association is the only organisation which specifically represents the lay magistracy.
Its status is that of an independent, voluntary organisation governed by royal charter, registered as a charity and primarily funded through membership subscriptions. Every Magistrate is urged to join the Magistrates’ Association. In Trafford almost 90% or JPs are members.

It’s core aims are to:

• Promote uniformity of practice
• Consult and represent members:
• Provide information,
• Promote public awareness:
• Deliver and Support Training

Full details of the Association can be found on their excellent website and on the newly created Inner manchester MA website, for a bit more local information:

www.magistrates-association.org.uk                www.innermanchesterma.org

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