The Role

As a magistrate, you will sit in your local 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

With experience and further training you could also go on to deal with cases in the family and youth courts.

Magistrates sit on a 'bench' of three (an experienced chairman with two other magistrates) and are accompanied in court by a trained legal advisor to give guidance on the law and sentencing options.

Benefits of being a magistrate:

Serving as a magistrate can provide invaluable benefits to you and your community. You'll make an important contribution to upholding the law, and develop a deeper and broader understanding of your local community.

Individual and Community Benefits:

There are a number of personal benefits you can gain as a magistrate, including:

• developing personal skills, such as decision-making, communicating and team-working, which can benefit your career and your employer
• developing an understanding of your local community and social issues
• gaining a working knowledge of the law
• building self-confidence
• improving leadership and mentoring skills

There are also benefits you can bring to your community as a magistrate:

• contributing to upholding the law and making your community a safer place
• contributing to the reform and rehabilitation of offenders
• helping offenders to make reparation to those affected by their offences

For more information please visit:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/CrimeJusticeAndTheLaw/Becomingamagistrate/DG_071395