Become a Magistrate
Magistrates are drawn from all sections of our community in West Hertfordshire. We are lay people without legal qualifications, who work on a voluntary basis. Many of us are also in paid employment, and agree time away from work with our employers to fulfil our duties as magistrates.
These pages will tell you about the application process, and what we are looking for when we interview applicants and make recommendations for appointment. You are very welcome to visit your local magistrate’s court at any time to see the work of the court, and decide whether you would like to be a magistrate. It's advisable, but not essential, to ring the courthouse beforehand to find our what kind of cases are scheduled on the day you intend to visit. We also hold open evenings at the courts, when you can watch mock trials and talk to magistrates about their work.
What exactly do magistrates do?
Magistrates, also known as Justices of the Peace, carry out their duties locally and deal with almost 97% of criminal cases. You will be dealing with less serious criminal cases, such as theft, criminal damage, assaults, public disorder and motoring offences. You will consider the evidence in each contested case and reach a verdict. When a defendant is found guilty, or pleads guilty, you will decide on the most appropriate sentence.
Will I sit on my own?
No. You normally sit as one of a ‘bench' of three magistrates, including one who has been trained to take the court Chairman's role. The court Chairman speaks for the bench and helps to guide it through its business. The court Clerk, who is legally qualified, is always there to advise on law and procedure.
What sort of people become magistrates?
Magistrates come from a wide range of backgrounds and occupations. They are people with personal integrity and a good knowledge of their local community. They have the ability to listen to all sides of an argument and contribute to fair and reasonable decisions. They must, of course, be reliable and have time to give to this important task.
Do you have to have any qualfications?
No. Formal or academic qualifications are not required. Nor is knowledge of the law because each bench sits with a qualified legal adviser who is there to advise on relevant aspects of the law. Sentencing guidelines are also provided.