The Lay Magistrates (Eligibility) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024
In accordance with section 4(7) of the 2015 Act, the Department of Justice has consulted with the Lady Chief Justice of Northern Ireland.
Title and Commencement1.
This Order may be cited as the Lay Magistrates (Eligibility) Order (Northern Ireland) 2024 and shall come into operation on the day after the day it is made.
Eligibility of persons for reappointment as Lay Magistrates2.
A person may be reappointed as a lay magistrate if—
(a)
he or she ceased to hold the office of lay magistrate before 10th March 2022 by virtue of section 4(11) of the Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2015;
(b)
he or she has not attained the age of 75;
(c)
(d)
he or she was not removed as a lay magistrate as a result of disciplinary proceedings and no disciplinary proceedings were pending at the start of his or her retirement; and
(e)
he or she is prepared to undertake any training or continuing professional development which is identified as being necessary or desirable.
Sealed with the Official Seal of the Department of Justice on xxxx 2024
This Order makes provision for criteria for the reappointment of lay magistrates who ceased to hold office before 10th March 2022 by virtue of section 4(11) of the Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (2015 c.9 (N.I.)), which required lay magistrates to retire at the age of 70.