Becoming a magistrate
What makes a good magistrate?
Character
- Personal integrity
- Respect and trust of others
- Respect for confidences
- Absence of any matter which might bring them or the Magistracy into disrepute
- Willingness to be circumspect in private, working and public life
Understanding and communication
- Ability to understand documents, identify and comprehend relevant facts, and follow evidence and arguments
- Ability to concentrate
- Ability to communicate effectively
Social awareness
- Appreciation and acceptance of the rule of law
- Understanding of local communities and society in general
- Respect for people from different ethnic, cultural or social backgrounds
- Experience of life beyond family, friends and work
Maturity and sound temperament
- Ability to relate to and work with others
- Regard for the views of others
- Willingness to consider advice
- Maturity
- Humanity
- Courage
- Firmness
- Decisiveness
- Confidence
- A sense of fairness
- Courtesy
Sound judgement
- Common sense
- Ability to think logically, weigh arguments and reach a balanced decision
- Openness of mind
- Objectivity
- The recognition and setting aside of prejudices
Commitment and reliability
- Reliability
- Commitment to serve the community
- Willingness to undertake at least 13 full day or 26 half-day sittings a year
- Willingness to take the required training
- Ability to offer the requisite time
- Support of family and employer
- Sufficiently good health
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must live within the area of the Commission of the Peace for which they wish to be considered or within 15 miles of its boundaries.
The reason for this requirement being that the Lord Chancellor requires that candidates should have a reasonable degree of knowledge of the area to which they wish to be appointed and generally expects them to have lived in that area for a minimum of 12 months.
Applicants must have satisfactory health in order that they are able to carry out all the duties of a magistrate. In particular they should have satisfactory sight and hearing and should also be able to sit and to concentrate for long periods of time. Those with a disability should not be discouraged from applying. Individuals will be considered by the Lord Chancellor on their circumstances in this as in other respects.
People between 18 and 65 are eligible to apply.
British nationality is not a requirement but all candidates must be willing to take the oath of allegiance.
If you think you have the six key qualities and meet the eligibility requirements then you too could become a magistrate.
