Becoming a magistrate

Magistrates (or Justices of the Peace) are volunteers in their community. They can be aged 18-70 and come from all backgrounds and walks of life.

Magistrates must dedicate 26 half days each year to sit in sit in their local magistrates' court. They are not paid but can claim some expenses, and their employer may allow paid leave. 

Applications are welcome from all sections of the community regardless of background, gender, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation. And you don't need any qualifications - full training is provided.

What do magistrates do?

Magistrates sit on a bench of three - an experienced 'chairman' and two other magistrates. Responsibilities include (in less serious criminal cases and civil matters) deciding if the defendant is guilty or not and passing the appropriate sentence, deciding on applications for bail, and committing more serious criminal cases to the Crown Court.  

For more information, visit DirectGov

Last updated 22/05/2010 10:01:14

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