... (although plans to extend this margin to 65 years are being put forward by some Lord Chancellors, in order to gain a further pool of talent) - Jacqueline Martin, GCSE Law. Another requirement is the fact that they need to live within 15 miles of the area to which they are commissioned and they would have had to live there for a period exceeding 12 months. People who are qualified in law, ex-police officers or bankrupts are ineligible to become lay magistrates. This rule also applies to those who have been convicted of serious offences. In addition, relatives of those who fall into the categories stated previously would also be ineligible to become lay magistrates. It is imperative that lay magistrates to have good character and standing in the local community. Lay Magistrates work part-time over a minimum of 26 sessions a year. Lay Magistrates are unqualified in law; many now ...

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