How To Become A Magistrate
The role of a magistrate is clearly one that requires a high level of professionalism and responsibility. As a result of this, there comes a selection process that requires a similar level of preparation. If you want to become a magistrate then you will need to work hard and prepare fully for each stage.
Throughout the selection process the assessors will be looking to see whether or not you have the qualities, skills and life experiences to become a competent magistrate. This article will focus on how best you can demonstrate the required skills at every stage of the selection process.
The 'office' of magistrate (or justice of the peace (JP): terms which are broadly interchangeable) dates back, in one form or another, to at least 1361. The term 'lay magistrate' is no longer used in practice because:
• Even though magistrates are volunteers, the level and quality of public service which they provide is nowadays of a high 'professional' standard rather than of a purely 'amateur' nature
• There is no longer any need to use the term 'lay' to differentiate them from their full-time, legally-qualified, paid colleagues who used to be called 'stipendiary magistrates' but who are now called 'district judges' (or to use the full title 'district judge (magistrates' courts)').
Being a magistrate provides an opportunity for the ordinary (non-legally qualified) person to join the 30,000 or so existing magistrates, all themselves ordinary members of the public, who already deliver a large part of criminal and civil justice in England and Wales. Strictly speaking, there is no longer any need for magistrates to be British nationals, or 'citizens' of the UK, although they will need to show that they have permanent ties to England and Wales and take an oath of allegiance to the sovereign before they can take up the position of JP.
The system in England and Wales is, then, very much about society itself delivering justice rather than it being done on its behalf. The 'job' is obviously very demanding but is expressly accessible to the widest possible range of people.
The term 'job' has been used here even though this is a voluntary, part-time, unpaid role (save for limited expenses). If you are appointed as a magistrate the demands on you to show commitment, professionalism and take part in continuing development will be not unlike those in any full-time, paid role. This said, the benefits to you (and possibly your employer) can be considerable, for, not only will you be providing an essential public service, but you will also be learning and developing in such valuable areas as:
• Working as part of a team
• Recognising and avoiding bias, prejudice, discrimination and stereotyping
• Structured decision-making
• Giving reasons for decisions
• Communication skills
• Time management
• Accepting responsibility
• Leadership, mentoring and appraisal
• Assimilating and processing large amounts of detailed information.
When you apply to become a magistrate you will be required to submit an application form which centres on the 6 key qualities and you will be also required to pass two very tough interviews. It is essential that you fully understand the role and the different elements of selection before you apply.
About the Author
Richard McMunn is the UK's leading magistrate recruitment expert who has helped scores of people to successfully pass the selection process with his insider's guide.
Get a copy of Richard's hugely popular guide at the following website =>
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