Join the London Judiciary – Recruiting now

Magistrates (also called Justices of the Peace) are unpaid volunteers and come from a wide range of backgrounds and occupations – from bus drivers to architects, pilots to mechanics, nursery nurses to retired people, unemployed to teachers. They are ordinary men and women drawn from all backgrounds with common sense and personal integrity. You do not have to have any legal or academic qualifications and the keys qualities sought are focussed on being able to listen to all sides of an argument and contribute to fair and reasonable decisions.

The Magistrates Courts deal with over 90% of all criminal cases which include minor theft, criminal damage, public disorder and motoring offences and initial bail decisions on the most serious offences which are sent to the Crown Court. Magistrates also sit in Youth and Family Courts.

Five quick facts about magistrates

• Magistrates can be appointed from the age of 18 but have to retire at 70
• Magistrates are also called Justices of the Peace and are allowed to use the suffix JP after the name (there are some occasions when this is not appropriate e.g. candidates in elections, business purposes to gain advantage)
• Magistrates are able to claim travel expenses and loss of earnings
• Magistrates are ordinarily appointed to the courts in their local area
• The minimum commitment is 13 days a year plus a couple of days training, although the average is just over 20 days

Recruitment is now taking place for all parts of London.

If you feel you may have the commitment, enthusiasm and ability to become a magistrate please visit the website below for more information and details on how to apply:

https://www.gov.uk/become-magistrate/what-magistrates-do

If you are interested in attending a future awareness event or have any other questions about becoming a magistrate please speak to a member of the London recruitment team on 0203 126 3390 (9:00am – 4:00pm weekdays).

*Photo and information supplied by the Magistrates’ Association