How to Become a Magistrate

As Magistrates deal with the majority of cases in England and Wales they are an integral and necessary part of the justice system, they can make a huge difference to your local community. There are over 350 Magistrates Courts and more than 30,000 acting magistrates currently working in England and Wales. They mainly deal with civil cases, but any local crime committed will go through the Magistrates Court first, if the case is seen as serious, it will be passed over to the Crown Court for further action. If you think you are the sort of person who is passionate about maintaining the healthy function and safety of your local community then you may want to consider becoming a fully qualified Magistrate.

Most people in our society can become part of a Magistrate team; there is no need for any law qualifications and you will be given full training. To become a Magistrate you will need to:

• commit to the role
• be mature and reliable
• have good communication skills
• make fair and reasonable decisions
• take note of both sides of a dispute
• accept the social structures of the law
• have a history of decent personal integrity
• be able to confidently command the public in order to gain their trust and respect

If you have commited a minor offense you may still be able to apply, all applications will be evaluated and considered. You will be unable to become a magistrate if you are in the Police or are a part of any political organisation.

Magistrates Courts will usually work in a group of three, this group is known as the Justices of the Peace (JPs), the JPs will work together in a combined team effort of two magistrates and an experienced chairman, this group makes up what is known as the Bench. A Court Clerk or trained legal advisor who is familiar with a variety of laws will also be present in a Magistrates Court to advise the Magistrates on the law and the different types of sentences. Magistrates must commit to appearing in court 26 half days in a year, if you have a job your employer is required by law to give you any time off to appear in court, some employers may even pay you for your time off.

Magistrates are volunteers but they are allowed to claim a loss of earnings that covers any expenses, such as travel. You need to be aged 18 or over and will have to retire at 70. Magistrate's duties will involve deciding if a defendant is guilty and order the right sentence. They deal with applications for bail, sort out custody hearings, refer the more serious cases to the Crown Court and with extended training some can attend youth court.

There is an efficient training programme ran by your local Justices' Clerk, who will help build up your skills and knowledge about becoming a Magistrate. You will be working with other trainee Magistrates over a period of 18 hours in total, that will usually takes place in evenings, weekends, over three working days or as part of a residential course. The training will involve several different methods such as, group work, reading, computer and CCTV training, the use of case studies, and prison and court observations. Prior to your application you will be expected to observe a Magistrates Court in action at least three times. From here you will be invited to an interview in which you will be questioned about your observations. Any successful candidates will be invited to attend a second interview.

Magistrates are an important part of our society and help maintain a fully functioning and effective justice system. If you believe you have the desire to become a magistrate and help your local community you should contact your local Magistrates Court about arranging a visit to start the process.

I am a legal writer covering advice on topics of law, for further text and similar works visit magistrates-courts.co.uk or contact a solicitor today.

For more legal advice and information, and for free legal resources I suggest you visit lawontheweb.co.uk.