This article draws upon the findings of empirical research into the role an
d appointment of stipendiary magistrates. The first part looks at the backg
round to the professional magistracy and the fostering of their development
, especially by ther Access to Justice Act 1999. The remainder of the paper
addresses the concerns that the professional magistrates allegedly pose, p
icturing this threat in terms of potential damage to the independence of th
e judiciary either at a national or local level. The survey involves the pr
obing of the nature and value of "local" criminal justice.