Magistrates courts handle the vast majority of criminal cases in England and Wales (see Crown Prosecution Service). Whilst there are a small number of paid magistrates (District Judges) who are legally qualified, most magistrates are unpaid volunteers. These lay magistrates are administered and advised by legally qualified justices' clerks who are solicitors or barristers with a minimum of 5 years post qualification experience, and who have a working knowledge of the magistrates courts service.

Useful addresses
The Magistrates Association
28 Fitzroy Square
London W1P 6DD
Telephone 020 7387 2353

Justices' Clerks Society
2nd Floor
Port of Liverpool Building
Pier Head
Liverpool
Telephone: 0151 255 0790