... the association has much influence on the nature, content and policy of magistrates' training around the country. It works with other organizations in the criminal justice system to develop training materials and lobby on training policy as well as supporting local branch training and providing information to magistrates and non-magistrates alike. Each magistrate is expected to undertake a fair share of the work of the Bench. The Lord Chancellor requires that a magistrate should sit for at least 26 and a half days each year and endeavour to be available to sit for up to 35 half days each year. Magistrates' should be prepared to sit for a whole day if necessary. Magistrates normally exercise their duties as part of a bench of three. They will at all times have available to them the advice of a qualified court clerk. Their duties include: * Over 95% of all criminal cases are dealt ...

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