How to become a magistrate

There are currently around 28,000 magistrates in England and Wales, but more are needed. Linda Pettit explains how to go about becoming part of the legal establishment and why it could be beneficial for your career prospects.

Why do it?

Serving as a magistrate can be a beneficial experience, not only for you, but your company. It can help develop your decision-making, communications and listening skills, as well as giving you an insight into the workings of the legal system in England and Wales. It also provides you with the opportunity to play a vital role in the legal process.

What's involved?

It is magistrates (or JPs - justices of the peace) that make up the backbone of the judicial system. They have no legal training, but sit on a bench of three magistrates hearing mainly criminal cases.

Decision-making powers include dispensing sentences of up to 12 months (raised from six months under the Criminal Justice Act 2003), granting bail or referring the case to the Crown Court.

Magistrates are not paid for their time, but can claim allowances for travelling, subsistence and financial loss. There are currently around 28,000 magistrates in England and Wales and more are needed.

As a magistrate you need to commit to a minimum of 26 half days a year, although the average is around 35.

All magistrates undergo some training before, and throughout their service on the basic rules of court procedure, current legislation, sentencing power and decision-making and communication skills. Mentoring, on-the-job training, court observation and visits to other institutions also form part of the training programme.

Am I right for the job?

Magistrates need to be of good character, have good understanding and communication skills, and have an appreciation and acceptance of the law. They must have a mature outlook and be of sound temperament, with sound judgement skills as well as being committed and reliable.

To apply you need to live in the area of the court's jurisdiction, or within 15 miles of its boundaries. You should have a good knowledge of that area and have lived locally for a minimum of 12 months. You also need to be in good health, have sound hearing and sight and be able to concentrate for long periods of time. Generally magistrates are appointed between the ages of 27 and 65, and magistrates must retire at 70.

How do I apply?

Potential magistrates need to hold British nationality and there is a list of individuals not eligible to apply - primarily those in the services or married to someone in the services, or anyone who has been convicted for a serious offence or number of minor offences.

Application forms and information on becoming a magistrate can be obtained from the secretary of the local Advisory Committee. Contact details for the committees can be obtained from the Office of the Clerk to the Justices at your local magistrates court or from the Office of the Lay Magistracy Branch in London (see below), which advises the Lord Chancellor on the appointment of magistrates in England and Wales. You can apply yourself, or any person or organisation can recommend someone for appointment.

It's a good idea to visit your local court before you apply, to get an idea of the process, you also need to establish that your employer will allow you to take the time off to fulfil magistrate duties and your employer should be one of your referees.

Contacts

Lay Magistracy Branch
District Bench and Magistracy Division
Judicial Group
1st Floor Selborne House
54 Victoria Street
London SW1E 6QW
Tel 0207 210 8990
E-mail: laymagistrates.judicialgroup@dca.gsi.gov.uk

For further information visit www.dca.gov.uk or www.magistrates-association.org.uk