Magistrates' court (England and Wales)

The Magistrates ' Court is the lowest court in the organization of courts in England and Wales.

Occupation

The Magistrates Courts are at least two, usually three lay judges, the so-called Justices of the Peace ( magistrates ) occupied, of which there are about 30,000 in the whole of England and Wales. They are usually selected from among the local notables and a Clerk to the Justices provides them with advice aside as a lawyer. In large cities, there are exceptionally professional judges, the District Judges (formerly stipendiary magistrates ).

Tasks

The focus of the work of the Magistrates' Court is located in the penal field: The maximum penalty is £ 5,000 fine ( fine ) or a half year prison sentence. Serious, called indictable Offences, must be decided by the Crown Court. Under civil law, he sits as a Family Proceedings Court and decides primarily on matters relating to maintenance and custody.

• Court (England and Wales)