Part I General
Stipendiary magistrates other than metropolitan stipendiary magistrates
15 Acting stipendiary magistrate.
1
Where it appears to the Lord Chancellor that it is expedient to do so in order to avoid delays in the administration of justice in any commission area in which a stipendiary magistrate can be appointed under section 13 of this Act, the Lord Chancellor—
a
may authorise any person qualified to be so appointed to act as a stipendiary magistrate in that area during such period (not exceeding three months at one time) as the Lord Chancellor thinks fit, or
b
may require so to act any stipendiary magistrate appointed under that section in another commission area.
2
While acting as a stipendiary magistrate in any commission area under subsection (1) above, a person shall have the same jurisdiction, powers and duties as if he had been appointed stipendiary magistrate in that area and were a justice of the peace for that area.
F22A
Sections 44, 45 and 53 of this Act shall apply to a person acting as a stipendiary magistrate under subsection (1) as they apply to a stipendiary magistrate.
3
The Lord Chancellor may, out of moneys provided by Parliament, pay to any person authorised to act under this section, not being a stipendiary magistrate, such remuneration as he may, with the approval of the Minister for the Civil Service, determine.