Why would I want to be a magistrate?

Why would I want to be a magistrate?

Community benefits. By helping to uphold the law you will be making your local community a safer place to live. You can also help offenders try to make good the damage they have done to others through their offences by getting them involved in unpaid community work.

What makes a good magistrate?

19.2 The six key qualities sought in those applying to become magistrates are, good character, understanding and communication, social awareness, maturity and sound temperament, sound judgment and commitment and reliability (see section 6).

How should I prepare for a magistrate interview?

Six Key Qualities?

1. Good Character. Your personal integrity.
2. Understanding and Communication. Ability to understand documents (as a magistrate you will have to work with documents such as the sentencing guidelines.
3. Social Awareness.
4. Maturity and Sound Temperament.
5. Sound Judgement.
6. Commitment and Reliability.

What skills do you need to be a magistrate?

You also need to be able to: understand documents, follow evidence and communicate effectively. think logically, weigh up arguments and reach a fair decision….Personal qualities

• aware of social issues.
• mature, understand people and have a sense of fairness.
• reliable and committed to serving the community.

What is the role of the magistrates?

What do magistrates do? Magistrates listen carefully to all evidence given in court and follow structured decision-making processes (such as sentencing guidelines in criminal cases) and case law to reach fair decisions. They are advised on points of law by a legal adviser who sits in court with them.

Who interviews applicants to decide if they are suitable to become magistrates?

Interviews should normally be conducted by a three member panel (including a chairman), at least one of whom should be a non-magistrate.

Are magistrates important?

Magistrates are impressive people. They perform a vital role, bringing the valuable experience and common sense of ordinary people to the justice system, and devoting large amounts of your valuable time to serving your communities.

Who Cannot be a magistrate?

As long as they are over 18 and can make the time for it, almost anybody can become a magistrate. There are only a few exceptions: Police officers, traffic wardens and members of the armed forces cannot become magistrates. This is to make sure that magistrates are impartial.

Do you get paid for being a magistrate?

A magistrate is a voluntary position and as such you won’t get paid, but you will making a difference to your community and the benefits you gain as an individual could make a real difference in your career. By helping to uphold the law you will be making your local community a safer place to live.

Why are magistrates important in the criminal justice system?

It sounds very pompous but essentially magistrates – although they’re not social workers – can end up making decisions that affect the course of individuals’ lives in a positive way. Deciding whether a prison sentence or a Community Order is most appropriate can be the catalyst for someone turning their life around.

What kind of questions do you get in a magistrate interview?

During the first interview you will be asked questions around your ability to commit to the role and also whether your character is suitable for the position you have applied for. Being a magistrate is a highly responsible role and the Local Advisory Committee will want to see that you are fit to serve.

Is it normal to serve in Magistrates Court?

The idea of the Magistrates Court is local justice being delivered by local people so it is quite normal for you to serve at your local court. I know a few magistrates and none of them have had problems.