(1)For each local justice area there is to be—
(a)a chairman of the lay justices assigned to the area, and
(b)one or more deputy chairmen of those lay justices,
chosen by them from among their number.
(2)Rules may make provision—
(a)subject to subsection (3), as to the term of office of the chairman and deputy chairmen, and
(b)as to the number of deputy chairmen to be elected for any area.
(3)The [F1Lord Chief Justice may, with the concurrence of the Lord Chancellor,] authorise a lay justice to continue to hold office as chairman or deputy chairman for the purposes of specified proceedings which are, or are expected to be, in progress on the day on which the lay justice’s office would otherwise end.
(4)Any contested election for choosing the chairman or a deputy chairman is to be held by secret ballot.
(5)Rules may make provision for the purposes of this section and may in particular make provision—
(a)about the procedure for nominating candidates for election as a chairman or a deputy chairman;
(b)about the procedure at such an election.
[F2(6)The Lord Chief Justice may nominate a judicial office holder (as defined in section 109(4) of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005) to exercise his functions under this section.]
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 17(3) substituted (3.4.2006) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), s. 15, Sch. 4 para. 319(2); S.I. 2006/1014, art. 2(a), Sch. 1 para. 11(y)
F2S. 17(6) inserted (3.4.2006) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), s. 15, Sch. 4 para. 319(3); S.I. 2006/1014, art. 2(a), Sch. 1 para. 11(y)