The Appointment of Magistrates
Lay magistrates in England and Wales, except in the Duchy of Lancaster, are appointed by the Lord Chancellor on behalf, and in the name, of the Sovereign. On appointment, magistrates, also known as Justices of the Peace, are required to swear or affirm that they
will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her heirs and successors, according to law
and that they
will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth the Second in the office of Justice of the Peace, and will do right to all manner of people, after the laws and usages of this realm, without fear or favour, affection or ill will
Candidates are recommended to the Lord Chancellor for appointment by his local Advisory Committees, consisting of magistrates and other local people.
The Lord Chancellor will consider a candidate’s personal suitability for appointment regardless of ethnic origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, religion or subject to the physical requirements of the office, disability.
No formal qualifications are required.
In making their recommendations, Advisory Committees not only consider the personal suitability of candidates but also the number of vacancies and the need to ensure that the composition of each bench broadly reflects the community which it serves.