§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department to whom applications to become lay justices of the peace in Northern Ireland should be addressed.
Mr. John M. TaylorApplications should be addressed to the Assistant Secretary of Commissions (Northern Ireland) at the Northern Ireland Court Service, Windsor house, Bedford street, Belfast BT2 7LT.
§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what are the duties of lay justices of the peace in Northern Ireland.
Mr. John M. TaylorJustices of the Peace in Northern Ireland carry out a wide range of functions contained in numerous enactments. Their main functions are:
- 1. occasionally presiding in magistrates courts to remand accused persons in custody or bail following adjournment of criminal proceedings;
- 2. undertaking "out-of-court" duties such as hearing complaints, issuing summonses, warrants of arrest and search warrants as well as signing declarations, administering oaths or taking affidavits, affirmations or recognisances.
§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what criteria and qualifications are sought in respect of persons wishing to be considered for admission as lay justices of the peace in Northern Ireland.
Mr. John M. TaylorPersons wishing to be considered for appointment as justice of the peace must be personally suitable in character, integrity and understanding for the functions which they have to perform. They must reside in, or within 15 miles of the boundary of the county court division for which they are proposed and should normally live or work within that division.