Hi people,
I don't know if this is the right place to post this, but anyhoo...
I've applied to become a Magistrate... I've sent the form off, references have been taken from my referees and I've been invited to an interview, which I've confirmed I will be attending.

Basically I just wanted to know if anyone on here is a Magistrate/has been to the interview...
I just don't know what to expect! I've been to court (as reccommended) to have a nosy at the work of the Magistrate's, and have scheduled a few more trips before the Interview in July.

What kind of things will they ask me? What shall I wear? Do I have to take any evidence of my socio-economic status etc?

It's so scary! I really want to get on the bench and feel that as they are under-represented by my age group (18 ) I should have a fair chance, If I know what I've got coming to me in terms of questions etc... lol!

Please help!

You might have already seen this site (http://www.bbc.co.uk/crime/law/becomingamagistrate.shtml)

and this section, but doesn't this mean that you don't qualify?

Who can't apply?
The Lord Chancellor will not generally appoint a person under 27 or over 65. Magistrates must retire at the age of 70. Undischarged bankrupts, serving members of HM Forces, traffic wardens and members of the police force or anyone engaged in an occupation that might be seen to conflict with the role of a magistrate, are not eligible to apply.

Neither can you apply if you are a close relative (father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister or in-law) of a magistrate in the same court area, or of a police officer, special constable, and civilian employee of a police force or traffic warden in the same court area.

If you or your partner work or perform community activities that are clearly incompatible with the duties of a magistrate then that would also disqualify you. This would include employees of the Crown Prosecution Service, Prison Service, Probation Service or Magistrates' Courts service.

Political affiliation will not disqualify you, although the Lord Chancellor is keen that the bench reflects the voting patterns of the area as evidenced by the previous two general elections. There are other factors that may sway the decision process and that's membership of organisations; the Lord Chancellor does not want too many members of the same organisation on the same bench, and you will be specifically asked at interview to declare whether or not you are a freemason.


I would treat it like a job interview. Wear your smartest clothes, don't take any documentation unless it's been requested and be prepared for an hours worth of questioning. Expect to have to cover the areas that they are interested in a be able to give examples of how you fulfill these criteria;

The key qualities the selection board will be looking for are good character, understanding and communication, social awareness, maturity and sound judgment, and commitment and reliability. You must be able to understand documents, comprehend facts and follow arguments.

There was an article in the Star a while ago stating that the court now want people aged 18+, as they are aware that they are excluding an entire age group by not taking under 27's.

My DOB is clearly stated on the application form. Surely they wouldn't have invited me for an interview/taken any references if they didn't think I was old enough.

Originally posted by caprice


My DOB is clearly stated on the application form. Surely they wouldn't have invited me for an interview/taken any references if they didn't think I was old enough.

Well they can't systematically not consider anyone over 18 on the basis of their age as that would be against the law.

So if your CV and application or whatever you sent looks promising then there is no reason for them not to interview you.

Hello Twinkle.

How did you get on anyway? I understand that the youngest Magistrate on the bench in Sheffield is 25. Did they decide to let you have a crack at it?

Nick.

hope you went on okay, Twinkle? It's something I have seriously considered. Kudos to you!

Well Plain Talker, go for it.

It's worth it for the experience alone and if you get the gig you'll really find it interesting.

Well Plain Talker, go for it.

It's worth it for the experience alone and if you get the gig you'll really find it interesting.

it's been mentioned before, on a previous thread:- someone suggested I'd make a good Magistrate, and put forward the idea that I ought to look into it...

Hanging-Judge Talker, JP...

;) I kind of like the ring it has to it! :hihi: :P