Who is magistrate

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.

Magistrates come from a range of backgrounds; they are ordinary people with common sense and the capacity to make fair decisions. You must be aged between 18 and 70 and have no serious past criminal convictions. No legal qualifications are required to become a magistrate; you will receive all the training you need.

Magistrates need to be able to commit at least 26 half-days per year to sit in court. Employers are required by law to grant reasonable time off work for magistrates. Magistrates are not paid for their services.

However, many employers allow time off with pay for magistrates. If you do suffer loss of earnings you may claim a loss allowance at a set rate. You can also claim allowances for travel and subsistence. Yes No. Tell us what you were looking for.

Accept additional cookies Reject additional cookies View cookies. Hide this message. Home Citizenship and living in the UK Charities, volunteering and honours. Become a magistrate. What magistrates do Magistrates are volunteers who hear cases in courts in their community.

Magistrates decide if the defendant should be: kept in custody - for example in a police or court cell let out on strict conditions - for example to keep away from named places or people Magistrates deal with crimes like: minor assaults motoring offences theft handling stolen goods TV licence evasion Magistrates can give punishments such as: fines unpaid work in the community prison for up to 6 months or up to 12 months for more than 1 crime Family cases Magistrates can also hear cases at a family court.

These magistrates deal with cases about children. Print entire guide. Related content Criminal courts Volunteer to check standards in prison.

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