District judges (magistrates' courts)
7.1 As at 31 March 2003 there were 104 district judges (magistrates' courts) in post. The head of the national bench is the senior district judge (chief magistrate) who is responsible for the deployment of the district judges (magistrates' courts), on behalf of the Lord Chancellor, to the courts in England and Wales.
7.2 The Lord Chancellor designates the senior district judge, or his deputy, and nominated district judges (magistrates' courts) to deal with police applications for a warrant of further detention under Section 29 of the Terrorism Act 2000. During the period of this Report, six further district judges (magistrates' courts) were so designated bringing the total to 12.
7.3 There was no competition for district judges (magistrates' court) in 2002-2003, but the Lord Chancellor appointed eight district judges from candidates who had been placed on the reserve list from the competition held in 2001-2002.
Senior district judge (magistrates' courts)
7.4 The senior district judge (chief magistrate) retired in February 2003 and a competition was held to find a successor. Applications were sought from all district judges (magistrates' courts) and circuit judges who were formerly district judges (magistrates' courts). Three applications were received and all three candidates were interviewed and Deputy Senior District Judge Timothy Workman was appointed Senior District Judge.
Retired district judges (magistrates' courts) sitting as deputies
7.5 In 2002-2003, three district judges (magistrates' courts) were appointed to sit as deputy district judges (magistrates' courts) in retirement.
Deputy district judges (magistrates' courts)
7.6 As at 31 March 2003 there were 177 deputy district judges (magistrates' courts) in England and Wales.
7.7 A competition was held during the period of this Report to appoint 27 deputy district judges (magistrates' courts). Applications were received from 485 candidates, three of whom were ineligible. 53 candidates were short-listed for attendance at the assessment centre (see paragraphs 2.13 to 2.22). 27 candidates were approved for appointment. Full statistics are given below. A total of 12 unsuccessful attendees received telephone feedback.
