More generally, a '''magistrate''' in English [[common law]] is a low ranking judge who sits in a magistrates court. Magistrates are normally not full-time and serve voluntarily as a service to the community although they may be reimbursed for any out of pocket expenses. Magistrates courts are limited in their sentencing powers to a maximum of six months jail and can only try lesser offences, including most motoring offences. They do not have juries, but instead are presided over by a panel of three magistrates who determine the guilt or innocence of the accused. Defendants may have the option of selecting a jury trial before a judge in more serious cases, but they may also face a more severe sentence if found guilty if they choose a jury trial. Magistrates courts operate in [[England]], [[Hong Kong]] and [[British Overseas Territories]] among other places. | More generally, a '''magistrate''' in English [[common law]] is a low ranking judge who sits in a magistrates court. Magistrates are normally not full-time and serve voluntarily as a service to the community although they may be reimbursed for any out of pocket expenses. Magistrates courts are limited in their sentencing powers to a maximum of six months jail and can only try lesser offences, including most motoring offences. They do not have juries, but instead are presided over by a panel of three magistrates who determine the guilt or innocence of the accused. Defendants may have the option of selecting a jury trial before a judge in more serious cases, but they may also face a more severe sentence if found guilty if they choose a jury trial. Magistrates courts operate in [[England]], [[Hong Kong]] and [[British Overseas Territories]] among other places. |