... Magistrates play such a vital role in our system of justice, it is important that they are appointed and trained in a suitable manner. Especially important in the appointment process is for the appointment of Lay Magistrates to reflect the wide spectrum of society within the local community. Appointment Individuals may put themselves forward for consideration. Alternatively, any organisation or individual may recommend a candidate for appointment. There exist local Advisory Committees which consider applications and recommendations. They invite candidates to interview after which suitable candidates are put forward to the Lord Chancellor's department for selection. As stated above, this selection process must ensure that candidates elected as Lay Magistrates are representative of the local community. Nevertheless, there are several positive and negative criteria which exist to ensure candidates' fitness to practice as Lay Magistrates. Candidates must: * demonstrate common sense * have personal integrity * know their local community well * ...

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