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Part 1: Roles and Relationships in the Magistrates' Court The office of District Judge (magistrates' courts) is created by section 78 of the Access to Justice Act 1999 which provides for the unification and renaming of the stipendiary bench. Prior to the implementation of this Act professional judges in magistrates' courts were called stipendiary magistrates, and for historical reasons the bench was divided between metropolitan stipendiary magistrates who had jurisdiction in the inner London courts, and provincial stipendiary …

…both know and appreciate this particular quality in a District Judge. 9.5 The Duty Solicitor Some courts may have two duty solicitors, one for custody cases and another to assist defendants on bail. In busy courts there may be a little delay because the duty solicitor has so many defendants to interview. Where an unrepresented defendant appears to be worried or confused, the court should take the initiative in encouraging him to consult the duty solicitor.