§ 20. Mr. Altonasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what are the criteria he uses for appointment to the post of justice of the peace within the Duchy of Lancaster.
§ Mr. TebbitActing on the advice of my advisory committees, I seek to appoint as magistrates those who are personally suitable in character, integrity and sensitivity and who are generally recognised as such by those among whom they live and work. They should be capable of 273W comprehending and adopting a balanced approach to evidence and argument. Subject to these considerations, I also aim to appoint magistrates such that the bench as a whole broadly reflects the make-up of the local community.