Composition
The court is constituted by either magistrates or special magistrates. Generally, magistrates sit alone. Two or more special magistrates can also constitute the court.
Magistrates and special magistrates are appointed by the executive. Magistrates must retire at 60 years of age, whilst special magistrates must retire at 70 years of age.
The executive must also appoint a Chief Magistrate. The chief magistrate is responsible for the prompt discharge of the court’s business, and may in consultation with a magistrate, decide the types of cases which a magistrate will hear.
Read more about this topic: Magistrates Court Of The Australian Capital Territory
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—Mary Kay Blakely (20th century)
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