People from all backgrounds are being encouraged to become a magistrate, as a new national recruitment campaign launches today. It highlights the opportunity to help deliver justice in local communities.
Magistrates are trained volunteers who hear around 95% of criminal cases, in England and Wales, and some also sit in the Family court. Drawn from all walks of life, they bring a wide range of professional and personal experience to the justice system, making decisions that affect people and communities across the country.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of the role and challenge common misconceptions about who can apply. No legal qualifications or legal experience are required to become a magistrate. Full training and ongoing support are provided throughout a magistrate’s service.
Sir Nicholas Green, Senior Presiding Judge said:
“Magistrates play a vital role in our justice system and in the communities they serve. Every day, they make important decisions that affect people’s lives, bringing their experience, judgement and commitment to fairness to the courtroom.
“We want our magistracy to reflect the rich diversity of the communities of England and Wales. You do not need legal qualifications or legal experience to become a magistrate. What matters is having integrity, sound judgement and a commitment to public service.”
The campaign’s central message, “You’ve got the makings of a magistrate,” highlights the qualities that underpin the magistracy, including fairness, integrity, sound judgement, empathy and a commitment to the community, encouraging individuals who share these values to consider applying.
Magistrates are the central to the justice system, helping to ensure courts have the capacity to hear cases promptly and supporting efforts to deliver swifter justice for victims, witnesses and communities.
Applications are open to anyone aged 18 to 74 who meets the eligibility requirements. Magistrates volunteer for a minimum of 13 days a year, and many successfully balance the role alongside their careers, caring responsibilities and other commitments. Anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a magistrate, and applying for the role, can visit the magistrate recruitment website.
In this video, created by the Judicial Office, Khadija JP talks about a day in the life of a magistrate.
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https://www.judiciary.uk/magistrates-recruitment-campaign-launched/
seen at 14:42, 24 September in Courts and Tribunals Judiciary.