Family Proceedings Courts and Youth Courts in Northern Ireland normally consist of a bench of three members, one of whom will be a District Judge (Magistrates’ Courts) acting as Chairperson. The others will be lay magistrates (non-lawyer), including at least one woman.
Lay Magistrates are appointed by the Lord Chancellor and there are approximately 210 in Northern Ireland. They perform a valued and important public function – particularly as they may have to deal with emergency applications for the protection of children arising outside normal court hours.