The Magistracy in Merton Wimbledon Magistrates Court Alexandra

The Magistracy in Merton Wimbledon Magistrates Court Alexandra Road London SW 19 7 JP

Inside the magistrates’ court ¡ Lay magistrates usually sit on a bench of three people

What qualities do you need to be a magistrate? ¡ ¡ ¡ Good character Understanding and communication Social awareness Maturity and sound temperament Sound judgement Commitment and reliability

What cases are dealt with in the magistrates’ court? ¡ ¡ ¡ All criminal cases start out in the Magistrates court. 95% of cases are dealt with fully in the Magistrates court 5% of cases go to the crown court Crown Court Magistrates Court

Youth Court Justice ¡ ¡ The youth court is for 10 -17 year olds and is in a less formal setting Specially trained magistrates sit here. Sentences aimed at changing behaviour and attitudes are issued. Parents are often involved in the outcome

The family proceedings court Specially trained magistrates sit in the family proceedings court and deal with issues arising out of family breakdown. Such as: ¡ Protection of children ¡ Contact ¡ Adoption ¡ Parental Responsibility

From crime to court Crime Committed Sent to court for plea to be taken Arrest made Taken to custody suite and charged

What happens next? ¡ ¡ The defendant appears in court and pleads guilty or not guilty If they plead guilty they will be sentenced. If they plead not guilty a trial will follow and the court will have to decide on their guilt.

Sentences Conditional discharge Prison/curfew order Fine Community sentence

Sentencing intention Punishment ¡ Reduction in crime/ deterrence ¡ Reform and rehabilitation ¡ Protection of the public ¡ Reparation ¡ l Can be all or some of these

Sentencing Structure ¡ Offence seriousness (culpability & harm) l Identify starting point l Consider aggravating & mitigating factors ¡ Form preliminary view of appropriate sentence ¡ Consider offender mitigation ¡ Consider reduction for guilty plea ¡ Consider ancillary orders(e. g. compensation) ¡ Decide sentence & give reasons

Consequences after court Loss of job ¡ Public shame ¡ Criminal record ¡ Visa and travel restrictions ¡ Higher insurance premiums ¡

How you can help us Spread awareness of the Magistracy ¡ Help the local community understand what we do ¡ Help build public confidence in the Criminal Justice System ¡ Recruitment of new magistrates ¡