66.The purpose of this section is to give statutory backing to the role of Bench Training and Development Committees (BTDCs) in the training, appraisal and development of lay justices.
67.The section provides that rules made by the Lord Chancellor may make provision about the training, development and appraisal of lay justices, and related matters. However, the main use which is currently envisaged of this rule-making power is to formalise the position of BTDCs.
68.Subsection (3) sets out a new statutory obligation on the Lord Chancellor to provide training and training materials for lay magistrates, where he requires them to undergo training; lay magistrates will have a new statutory assurance in this regard.