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Why Not Become A Magistrate?
Lord Chancellor's Department
Press Notice
15 March 1999
Did you know that 95 per cent of criminal cases are handled by magistrates? Did you know that you don't need to have any special qualifications to be a lay magistrate? Have you ever thought about serving your community by becoming a magistrate?
Today Lord Irvine, the Lord Chancellor, launches a campaign to raise public awareness of the vital part lay magistrates play in the criminal justice system and to dispel the stereotypical image of magistrates.
The month-long campaign features a series of advertisements which will appear in national newspapers and magazines as well as titles aimed specifically at ethnic minority communities. The visual images challenge the prevailing view of magistrates being out-of-touch fuddy-duddies.
Lord Irvine, the Lord Chancellor, who is responsible for the appointment of magistrates, said "Magistrates come from a wide range of backgrounds and occupations. We have magistrates who are dinner ladies and scientists, bus drivers and teachers, plumbers and housewives. They have different faiths and come from different ethnic backgrounds, some have disabilities. All are serving their communities, ensuring that local justice is dispensed by local people.
"The magistracy should reflect the diversity of the community it serves. I want people to consider becoming a magistrate. Rest assured appointments are made on merit, regardless of educational background, social class or ethnic background. If you would like more information call the hotline on 0845 606 1666."
Notes to editors:
- Each magistrate sits with two other colleagues, known as the
Bench. All criminal trials start at the magistrates' court. Although
the serious cases are committed to the Crown Court, magistrates deal
with cases such as minor theft, motoring and public order offences as
well as licensing applications and issues affecting families and
children.
- Magistrates sit for at least 26 half days per year, most sit for
about 35 half days each year.
- There are just over 30,000 magistrates, of whom 49 per cent are
women. In 1997 4.1 per cent of magistrates were from an ethnic
minority. In each of the three years 1996, 1997 and 1998, 6.5 per
cent of magistrates appointed were from an ethnic minority.
- People under 27 or over 65 are not normally appointed magistrates.
- Lay magistrates are not paid. However, they do receive travel
allowances and a flat rate may be paid for loss of earnings.
- You cannot be a magistrate if you or your spouse or partner are a
police, probation or prison service employee. You are also excluded
if you have a serious criminal conviction or are an undischarged
bankrupt.
- All newly appointed magistrates are given practical training to
equip them for their duties. Training normally takes place outside
working hours.
- Anyone thinking of applying should visit their local magistrates'
court. Forms and notes for guidance can be obtained from the
secretary of the local Advisory Committee whose address is available
from the local court. They are also on the LCD website.
- Generally, there is generally just one recruitment exercise in
each area each year, so depending on when an application is made the
process may take up to a year. Selection is carried out locally by
the Lord Chancellor's Advisory Committees. They sift the applications
received, conduct interviews and make recommendations to the Lord
Chancellor who makes the final appointment.
- Adverts are being placed in the following titles:
Daily Star, The Sun, Mirror, Express, Daily Mail, Independent, Guardian, News of the World, The People, Sunday Mirror, Express on Sunday, Mail on Sunday, Independent on Sunday, Sunday Telegraph, TV Times, What's on TV, TV Quick, Radio Times, TV & Satellite Week, Take a Break, That's Life, Bella, Inside Soap, Chat, Woman's Weekly, Now, Voice, The Journal, Caribbean Times, New Nation, Asian Times, Eastern Eye, Gujarat Samacher, Asian Age, The Nation, Muslim News.
