Lubna Mir JP: Taking justice into her own hands

In 2013, the judicial workforce of individuals from Black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds was 4.8%. Looking at magistrates in particular, an area which OBV has worked in conjunction with the Ministry of Justice, just over 8% of Magistrates are BME.

Although, this is a considerable improvement, there is still a long way to go. Magistrates of Asian origin are notably under represented, with 6.8 per cent of the population described as Asian compared to only 4.3 per cent of magistrates. It was this under-representation of the BME community in the judiciary which formed part of Lubna Mir’s motivation for becoming a magistrate.

After over a decade of community and voluntary work Mir will now take the bench in Medway, Kent County Magistrate courts:

For me, I want to be part of the system which does not discriminate against people on the basis of their colour, race, gender, disability, age, belief and sexuality. I would like to make sure that correct and unbiased decisions are seen to be made. The benefit for the wider community would be that a Muslim woman can become a magistrate and benefit from the perspective and experience I can offer. I think this will provide a positive role model for the wider community.”

Mir came from a household of advocates and community workers - her father was a lawyer and her mother worked in the charity sector. Therefore it is not surprising that Mir absorbed the values, qualities and characteristics of her parents. Mir’s greatest goal in life was to emulate them, although not having had the chance to venture into law, Mir views the opportunity to serve as a magistrate as her chance.

Throughout her adult life Mir has been involved in her local community, from working with Children in Need, Comic Relief and Hope Credit Union, to working for the Commission for Racial Equality and Plymouth Religious and Cultural Centre, where she was invited to schools, churches and conferences to discuss her cultural and religious background. Mir found these activities extremely enjoyable and beneficial as they break down barriers and prejudices between communities, specifically those towards Muslim women entering civic life.

However it was her work with the Plymouth Youth Offending Team that essentially reignited her passion for the law, and inspired her to apply. She had a special interest in the youth court as she believes that:

It is important for the individual to realise the impact of choice made in a moment has . I believe in the ethos of keeping offenders out of the prison system wherever possible and looking to rehabilitate, a good way of dealing with the reasons of why the offence took place and encourage the offender to think about the consequences of their actions … the youth are our future and we need to invest in them."

Mir encourages everyone to get involved in civic society. She says:

As we live in British society it is important to contribute something back to society … I think you have to be in it to win it; we can talk about change but, we also need to be part of the process in order to ensure that it happens fairly and equally."

Although we have made progress in society, she encourages us to continue to positively challenge the social injustices and structural barriers as well as the, negative narratives and rhetoric of some BME groups in society. We are a part of this society and so inclusion in the institutions of society is imperative.

Mir was especially grateful to the staff at OBV. In 2011, Mir attended one of many seminars OBV was conducting around the country aimed at increasing the amount of magistrates from minority groups in Britain. She is specifically thankful to Francine Fernandes, OBV’s Deputy Director, who aided her through the interview process.

For anyone considering applying, Mir has this to say:

Just go for it, and let us make a difference together, there is a lot of support out there. It can be a long process but stick with it, it is definitely worthwhile.”

Lubna is grateful for all the support she received from her family, friends, colleagues and the staff at OBV. And is looking forward to what the role of a magistrate has in store for her.

Next year Kent Magistrates court will be recruiting, for more information, the application form and guidance notes, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/become-magistrate

Picture: His Honourable Judge Griffin Jones QC and Lubna Mir JP

Kei-Retta Farrell