Do Lay Magistrates give Verdicts or is it the Judge in the Magistrates Court?
Magistrates Courts are the court of first instance for all criminal offences in England and Wales. The court has local jurisdiction to hear cases where the offence occurred in the local area. The Magistrates Court is also the summary court, for the most petty offences. More serious offences are referred by the Magistrates to the Crown Court, which has tougher sentencing powers. A defendant may also opt for a Crown Court trial in some circumstances. There is usually a panel of 3 Magistrates, who have no formal legal qualifications. They are assisted by the Clerk of the Court. The Clerk is there to instruct the Magistrates of points of law. The Magistrates deliver verdicts like a jury, with the chief Magistrate acting like a judge in some ways, such as by making verbal comments to the defendant if he is convicted.
