What do magistrates do?

Kids Law

In this episode, Alma- Constance and Lucinda hear more about the important work of magistrates as about 95 % of cases are heard before ordinary people in Magistrates' Courts and these magistrates make up 85% of the judiciary in England and Wales, who sit in criminal family and youth courts.
They speak to Katherine Sirrell, who is a magistrate and deputy chair of the Young Magistrates Network, which is a part of the Magistrates Association.

· She tells us about the difference between magistrates and judges and why we have magistrates

· The type of cases they hear

· Why it’s important to have magistrates who are representative of their community

· What happens if children need to appear in Magistrates' Courts

When Katherine was 10 years old, she was very curious about the world and really liked stories and wanted to be a journalist, as she loved writing and liked the idea of finding out the truth.

Alma-Constance and Lucinda would love to hear from you. If you have any questions, ideas about a topic or someone you'd like us to interview, please contact us through the website, www.kidslaw.info or through social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram @KidsLawInfo

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Resources
Magistrates Association: Magistrates Association > What We Do > MA Diversity and Inclusion Networks > Young Magistrates Network (magistrates-association.org.uk)

Young Citizens (mock trials): Home - Young Citizens

Schools consent project: Schools Consent Project | Home

Justice: Justice: advancing access to human rights and the rule of law

Report into the voices of young people in the youth court: Young people’s voices on youth court | Centre for Justice Innovation

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