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UK Magistrates Trivia Quiz

I've only been in a Magistrates' Court once (as a witness) but what do you know about Magistrates in the UK.

A multiple-choice quiz by ovalrocker. Estimated time: 3 mins.

Author
ovalrocker

Time
3 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
309,659

Updated
Jul 23 22

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
470

Awards
Top 35% Quiz

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Magistrates in England and Wales can be traced back to what date? Hint

1905

1865

1195

1435

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Question 2 of 10

2. If you applied to be a magistrate, who has the final say over your appointment? Hint

The local Mayor

The reigning Monarch

The Prime Minister

The Lord Chancellor

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Question 3 of 10

3. How much do magistrates get paid for each sitting? Hint

Too much

They are not paid

�25

�50

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Question 4 of 10

4. Do magistrates have to wear robes and a wig when sitting in a magistrates' court?

Yes

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Question 5 of 10

5. What happens to a magistrate who breaks the law? Hint

The system turns a "blind eye"

They will automatically have a jail sentence

They only get half of the normal fine / sentence

They are treated the same as anyone else

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Question 6 of 10

6. How does a magistrate calculate how much to fine an offender? Hint

As much as they want

In accordance with official guidelines

�50 per offence

They don't set the fine

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Question 7 of 10

7. If you are in arrears with a fine, what action can the court take? Hint

Any of these

Make deductions from your wages

Use bailiffs to seize your property

Send you to prison

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Question 8 of 10

8. Why are magistrates sometimes known as "becks" or "beaks"? Hint

Neither of these

A 18th century Constable or Beadle

From the old English word "Beag"

Could be either one of these

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Question 9 of 10

9. How many people normally sit on the "bench" of a Magistrates' court? Hint

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Question 10 of 10

10. What title is given to the Head of the Judiciary of England and Wales? Hint

Lord President

Justice of the Peace

District Judge

Lord Chief Justice

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Magistrates in England and Wales can be traced back to what date?

Answer: 1195

The role of the magistrate can be traced back to King Richard I, who appointed knights as magistrates to uphold the law and the King's peace.

2. If you applied to be a magistrate, who has the final say over your appointment?

Answer: The Lord Chancellor

The Lord Chancellor appoints on the advice of the local advisory committees. This is of course after you have filled in an application, had references checked and attended at least one interview.

3. How much do magistrates get paid for each sitting?

Answer: They are not paid

The magistrate is a voluntary position so is unpaid, but employers should allow them paid time off. If self-employed they get a set rate, plus they can claim an allowance for food and travel.

4. Do magistrates have to wear robes and a wig when sitting in a magistrates' court?

Answer: No

They can wear their normal day clothes, but they should not wear anything that draws attention to themselves e.g. insignia of an organisation, club etc.

5. What happens to a magistrate who breaks the law?

Answer: They are treated the same as anyone else

Magistrates must maintain the good reputation of the law system at all times. Apart from a fine or jail sentence, they may face disciplinary action as well.

6. How does a magistrate calculate how much to fine an offender?

Answer: In accordance with official guidelines

Although there are guidelines for the minimum and maximum for each type of offence, magistrates will also take the individual's circumstances into account.

7. If you are in arrears with a fine, what action can the court take?

Answer: Any of these

If you do not make arrangments to pay, any of these could be used, although to send you to prison there must be a hearing first.

8. Why are magistrates sometimes known as "becks" or "beaks"?

Answer: Could be either one of these

It's not totally clear where the term "beck" or "beak" came from, but the two most popular are those listed. A Beag was a necklace worn as a badge of office, and from mid-16th to the early 19th century the word meant Constable, Beadle or Parish Officer.

9. How many people normally sit on the "bench" of a Magistrates' court?

Answer: 3

Magistrates normally sit as a panel (bench) of three. One of them is trained to be the "chair" with the other two known as "wingers", but all three have equal rights in decision making. They also have access to a qualified legal adviser should they need advice, as magistrates are common people from all walks of life, who may not known all the "ins and outs" of the law.

10. What title is given to the Head of the Judiciary of England and Wales?

Answer: Lord Chief Justice

The Lord Chief Justice is also the President of the courts of England and Wales. The Lord President is Scotland's most senior judge, while a District Judge is a full-time magistrate and a Justice of the Peace is a part-time one.

Source: Author ovalrocker

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor stedman before going online.
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