Magistrates and notary publics are professionals who perform legal operations for members of the public. While both perform various functions, they are very different entities that can help your business in different ways. A notary public\u2019s main duties are to authenticate contracts to ensure they are legally enforceable. Meanwhile, magistrates are court-appointed officials who provide judicial decisions for lesser criminal and civil cases brought to the magistrates\u2019 court. This article will describe the differences between the two entities and go into greater detail about how and when you might need to use both. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A magistrate is a person who hears court cases in their community. Courts employ them to make fair decisions on the outcome of legal proceedings. They typically receive advice on points of law from a legal advisor but will be the final decision maker in a legal case. Magistrates will usually operate in what\u2019s known as a magistrates\u2019 court and can also oversee cases in the youth courts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anyone can become a magistrate, from former lawyers to ordinary people who are interested in helping their community. Magistrates are given special training to do their jobs, but before they can become a magistrate, they must: <\/p>\n
Magistrates generally deal with criminal, family law, and youth court proceedings. In criminal cases, magistrates will generally deal with summary crimes which are less serious criminal offences, including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Magistrates, now officially called Justices of the Peace in England and Wales, can award unlimited fines, community service, or prison sentences for up to six months or 12 months for more than one crime.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They also play a crucial role in issuing warrants and dealing with bail applications. They can issue search warrants for police investigations and decide whether to grant bail to defendants awaiting trial. This responsibility requires careful consideration of public safety and the rights of the accused<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n Continue reading this article below the form\n <\/i>\n<\/a>\n