Magistrates in the Community

Do you wonder what happens in the Magistrates’ Court? This event will help demystify the legal system, explain how guilt or innocence is decided and how sentences are reached. Local magistrates offer a presentation about their work in court –“ sittings” -and invite participation.

Local magistrates Brian Watt JP and Chris Tolley JP will host the presentation in Fairfax House, part of the Magistrates in the Community initiative by the Magistrates Association to open up court processes. Teams of volunteer magistrates across the UK aim to engage with audiences such as schools, colleges, community groups and social groups. The aim is to educate the wider community about the work of their local court.

The event is tailored to suit different audiences, and can involve an interactive mock trial; commonly heard cases in the Court; how verdicts are reached; how sentences are decided, using the now-famous Sentencing Guidelines; how magistrates are appointed; what is their role or the lawyers role; what is topical.

This will be an opportunity to ask questions and to participate.

Castlegate Hub, Fairfax House