... 65. They must also live within 15 miles of the area for which they serve and must not have any previous criminal convictions. The advantages of lay magistrates are, that they are much more cost effective to administer justice than using juries for example, as they are working for free and they also save the government money. A trial in a magistrate court is much more cheaper and efficient than a trial in a crown court. If the government is spending less money on lay magistrates, it can spend that money saved on other important issues, such as hospitals, the military and the police service. Another important advantage is their local knowledge and understanding within an area, which helps to administer their decisions in a fair way. This takes away any prejudice against magistrates, as they are being honest and faithful to the law system and are part of the area, which can provide ...

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