Lay personnel: past paper questions
Real questions on lay personnel
The newest 13 of 13 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9084/11 · May/June 2026 · Q1[1]
Identify the case which allows the Court of Appeal to depart from its own previous decisions.
See it on the paper → - 9084/12 · October/November 2024 · Q6a[10]
Describe the training of lay magistrates.
See it on the paper → - 9084/12 · October/November 2024 · Q6b[15]
Assess the extent to which the training of lay magistrates prepares them adequately for their role.
See it on the paper → - 9084/13 · May/June 2024 · Q4[6]
Define ratio decidendi and obiter dicta.
See it on the paper → - 9084/13 · May/June 2023 · Q8a[10]
Describe the qualifications and appointment process for lay magistrates.
See it on the paper → - 9084/13 · May/June 2023 · Q8b[15]
Assess whether the training given to lay magistrates is adequate.
See it on the paper → - 9084/11 · October/November 2021 · Q6[25]
Explain why Equity was needed when custom and common law had already developed. Assess the continued need for Equity today.
See it on the paper → - 9084/12 · October/November 2021 · Q2[25]
Describe the training of lay magistrates and their role in both civil and criminal cases. Assess whether the training ensures effective lay personnel.
See it on the paper → - 9084/21 · October/November 2021 · Q2d[20]
Describe judicial independence. Assess the importance of the independence of the judiciary.
See it on the paper → - 9084/22 · May/June 2021 · Q1d[20]
Describe how lay magistrates are selected and trained. Assess the extent to which the selection and training of lay magistrates has improved their ability to do their job. Source material for Question 1 Laser Misuse (Vehicles) Act 2018 (adapted) Section 1 Offence of shining or directing a laser beam towards a vehicle (...
See it on the paper → - 9084/23 · October/November 2020 · Q1d[20]
Describe the role of lay magistrates in the criminal justice system. Assess the advantages and disadvantages of using lay people in this role. Source material for Question 1 Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 (as amended) Section 1 Requirement of warning etc. of prosecutions for certain offences. (1) A person shall not be...
See it on the paper → - 9084/13 · May/June 2020 · Q2[25]
Both the way in which lay magistrates are selected and the training they receive are inadequate. Describe both the selection and training of lay magistrates. Assess whether the statement above is justified.
See it on the paper → - 9084/12 · May/June 2019 · Q4[25]
Describe the selection and training of lay magistrates. Assess the extent to which it is appropriate to allow a layperson to act as judge in the Magistrates’ Court.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
This was a question on Equity. This proved to be an exceptionally popular question which produced some very strong answers. Many candidates offered a well-balanced, well-illustrated answer with relevant case law. The stronger responses were able to link this factual content to the evaluative aspect of the question and explain how issues such as maxims and remedies promoted the ideas of fairness...
— Examiner report, October/November 2021, 9084/11 Q6 (Cambridge)
This was a question on the role and training of Magistrates. This was one of the most popular questions. Stronger responses focussed their answers on the details of both the civil and criminal role of the Magistrate, and a comprehensive account of the training process. This approach was well rewarded. Where candidates were, in addition, able to link this factual content to focussed evaluation on...
— Examiner report, October/November 2021, 9084/12 Q2 (Cambridge)
This question had a specific focus on judicial independence. Factual material on the different types of judges and the application and selection processes was not relevant and attracted no credit. The strongest responses explained the concept of judicial independence based on the separation of powers and its significance in the English legal system, illustrated with relevant examples, as well as l...
— Examiner report, October/November 2021, 9084/21 Q2(d) (Cambridge)
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