Q about magistrates hearing

[nomoretether]

1. Can a legal advisor give a judgment? As in, the magistrates make the judgment and the legal advisor reads it out?
   

1. If the chair of magistrates falls asleep during the hearing but this is not addressed during the hearing, what can be done? Anything or nothing?

[BoomBoomsCousin]

For #2, you can complain about a magistrate's behaviour or conduct. You need to write to the advisory committee for the area the magistrates' court is in, I think there should also be information on complaining within the court building. Don't know what the likely impact of that would be though.

[EmptyNestAgain]

Hi,
It's not usual for a legal advisor to read out a judgement, but provided it is obvious that the magistrates have formulated it, they don't have to read it. ( For example, if the magistrate has lost their voice.)In some cases, reasons are sent by post, to save the parties from staying. It is usual that the judgement is given verbally first, though.
For your second question, you can appeal any decision you feel has been reached without merit. If you feel that a magistrate has not considered the evidence because they were asleep, you could make an appeal. You can, as Boom says also write to the advisory committee.

[Charlie145]

I've never heard a legal advisor read a judgement (been a magistrate for 5yrs) - why did the magistrates not read it out?

As for the magistrate falling asleep - how long for? Who woke them up? Was it the chair taker or one of the wingers?