Magistrate
- Classification
- Occupation
- Skill level
- 1
- Major group
- Professionals
Classification
- Major group
- 2Professionals
- Sub-major group
- 27Legal, Social and Welfare Professionals
- Minor group
- 271Legal Professionals
Description
Hears criminal matters to determine whether defendants will be committed for trial and adjudicates minor criminal offences without a jury.
Alternative titles
- Chamber Magistrate
Specialisations
- Children's Court Magistrate
- Industrial Court Magistrate
- Licensing Court Magistrate
Unit group
2712 · Judicial and Other Legal ProfessionalsDescription
Judicial and Other Legal Professionals hear legal and other matters in courts and tribunals; interpret, analyse, administer and provide advice on the law; and draft legislation.
Skill level
Australia
In Australia and New Zealand: Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification and at least five years of relevant experience. Judges require appointment by the government or crown and must have been a Magistrate or an experienced legal practitioner of at least seven years standing. Magistrates must have been a legal practitioner of at least five years standing (ANZSCO Skill Level 1). Registration or licensing may be required.
New Zealand
In Australia and New Zealand: Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification and at least five years of relevant experience. Judges require appointment by the government or crown and must have been a Magistrate or an experienced legal practitioner of at least seven years standing. Magistrates must have been a legal practitioner of at least five years standing (ANZSCO Skill Level 1). Registration or licensing may be required.
Occupation skill level 1
Tasks
Tasks include
- researching statutes and previous court decisions relevant to cases
- conducting trials and hearings
- calling and questioning witnesses
- hearing and evaluating arguments and evidence in civil and criminal summary matters
- deciding penalties and sentences within statutory limits, such as fines, bonds and detention, awarding damages in civil matters, and issuing court orders
- exercising arbitral powers if resolution is not achieved or seems improbable through conciliation
- preparing settlement memoranda and obtaining signatures of parties
- advising government of legal, constitutional and parliamentary matters and drafting bills and attending committee meetings during consideration of bills
- preparing advice on matters associated with intellectual property rights
- advising clients and agents on legal and technical matters