Article 12 Absence of authorised lay justice entitled to preside
England and Wales
The lay justices present may appoint one of their number to preside in the family court to deal with any case in the absence of a lay justice entitled to preside under rule 11 if—
before making such appointment the lay justices present are satisfied as to the suitability for this purpose of the lay justice proposed; and
expect as mentioned in paragraph (2), the lay justice proposed has completed or is undergoing a chairman training course in accordance with F1rule 19(f) of the 2016 Rules.
The condition in paragraph (1)(b) does not apply if by reason of illness, circumstances unforeseen when the lay justices to sit were chosen, or other emergency, no lay justice who complies with that condition is present.
Annotations
Textual amendments
- F1
Words in rule 12(1)(b) substituted (1.4.2017) by The Justices of the Peace Rules 2016 (S.I. 2016/709), rules 1(3)(c), 36(4)