Magistrates
Can be appointed from the age of 18, and retire at 70;
Are volunteers, and there are around 23,000 from all walks of life;
Do not need legal qualifications (they are assisted in court by a legal adviser);
Must be available to carry out at least 26 half-day court sittings a year;
Although unpaid, can claim expenses, typically for travel to and from court.
Becoming a magistrate
Candidates must satisfy the Lord Chancellor that they meet six criteria:
Good character;
Understanding and communication;
Social awareness;
Maturity and sound temperament;
Sound judgement;
Commitment and reliability.
Because of the need to maintain public confidence in the impartiality of the judiciary, people who work in certain occupations (for example, police officers) cannot become magistrates.