The development of the professional magistracy in England and Wales

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.