"The use of lay magistrates is important to ensure trial by one's peers, but it is equally important that lay magistrates reflect the communities they serve."

To answer this question, we advise that you start byusing relevant primary and secondary sources of law to:

• Explain the role of lay magistrates in English Law and identify any relevant law relating to the question.

• Explain why someone might legitimately hold the opinion that it is important that lay magistrates represent the people they serve, and state whether you agree and why.

• You should analyse your information and come to a reasoned discussion on what justifies your opinion using the template.

• You should use the research trail template attached in Appendix A.

• References should be in OSCOLA -only cite as a footnote, there is no need for a bibliography.