Become a magistrate
Magistrates are volunteers from all walks of life who deal with approximately 95% of criminal cases in England and Wales.
To become a magistrate you need to be able to commit at least 26 half-days per year to sit in court, and it is worth considering that employers are required by law to grant reasonable time off work for magistrates.
Magistrates are not paid for their services. However, many employers allow time off with pay for magistrates. If you do suffer loss of earnings you may claim a loss allowance at a set rate. You can also claim allowances for travel and subsistence.
Magistrates can be appointed from the age of 18 and they must retire by the age of 70. Selection is based entirely on merit and applications are welcome from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation. You don't need legal or academic qualifications to be a magistrate and full training is provided.
As a magistrate, you will sit in a magistrates' court dealing with a wide range of less serious criminal cases and civil matters. Some of your duties will include:
- determining whether a defendant is guilty or not and passing the appropriate sentence
- deciding on requests for remand in custody
- deciding on applications for bail
- committing more serious cases to the Crown Court
Magistrates sit on a 'bench' of three (an experienced chairman with two other magistrates) and are accompanied in court by a trained legal adviser to give guidance on the law and sentencing options.
You will undertake a training programme to help you develop all the knowledge and skills you will need to serve as a magistrate. This is given locally by your Justices' Clerk (legal adviser) or a member of his or her team.
To enquire further or to request an application pack, please contact the Dorset Advisory Committee by telephoning 01202 711809 or email andrea.goodacre@hmcourts-service.gsi.gov.uk.
You can find out more and apply online by visiting www.direct.gov.uk/magistrates.