The magistrates decide what level of fine to hand down, according to what's known about their finances, and the nature of the offence.
At the hearing Saturday, the magistrate decided there was probable cause he committed the Nov. 5 shootings, his civilian lawyer, John P. Galligan, told The A.P. Mr. Galligan did not immediately respond to phone or e-mail messages seeking comment.
"The magistrate decided in favor of the plaintiffs and that was affirmed by the district judge," Mr. Boies said, "and the district judge held that we should've produced more documents faster".
The magistrate decided that the case against the accused was sufficiently strong to be heard at the High Court.
In France, the magistrate decides whether or not a case should be pursued, meaning Total may yet appear in court, although the prosecutor's office can appeal such a decision.
She tells the court she is a single mother on benefits and the magistrate decides to reduce the court costs from £120 to £50; she also has to pay a £36 fine, reduced by a third in recognition of her guilty plea, and a £20 victim surcharge (which goes to paying for victim support groups).
Magistrates decided otherwise; they put aside a charge of "aggravated pimping as part of an organised gang", but maintained the lesser charge of "aggravated pimping as part of a group".
Roughly two-thirds of the 21,000 Crown Court jury trials each year take place because magistrates decide that their powers are insufficient.
Magistrates decide on an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and 15 "RAR" – rehabilitation activity requirement – days.
After an 11-year inquiry, following complaints from four French former Scientologists, an independent, investigating magistrate decided that the prosecution should go ahead.
