You don’t need any legal qualifications to apply to be a magistrate, but you do need to have an interest in local justice and a commitment to the rule of law. Find out more at gov.uk/become-magistr…

Magistrates in the Family Court deal with a variety of cases relating to children, child protection, family breakdown and related issues. Could you become a Family Magistrate and help make the lives of children better?

Being a magistrate is not a paid role, but limited allowances are available for loss of earnings and travelling expenses, in addition to subsistence.

As a magistrate your sittings are usually planned well in advance and, as far as possible, will be scheduled to take account of magistrates’ personal circumstances such as work commitments.

As a Magistrates you are assisted by Sentencing Guidelines. The guidance sets out factors the court should take into account when deciding on sentence based on the harm caused to the victim and how blameworthy the offender may be.

Once appointed as a Magistrate you will be given comprehensive training as this is fundamental in assisting you to carry out your duties more information can be found here magistrates-association.org.uk/About-Magistra…

Did you know that Magistrates have been around for more than 650 years and the role is now an essential part of the Judiciary?

Richard I appointed ‘keepers of the peace’ in 1195, but not until the 1361 Act came into effect under Edward III that the title ‘Justice of the Peace’ was born. The word ‘magistrate’ derives from the Middle English word magistrate, a civil officer in charge of administrating laws

The original duties of a Justice of the Peace (aka a Magistrate) was Act ordered that every to ‘restrain the Offenders, Rioters, and other Barators, and to pursue, arrest, take and chastise them according to their Trespass or Offence’.

After the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act was passed in 1919 it paved the way for women to become Magistrates, the first female Justices were appointed in July 1920, today over 50% of Magistrates are female

Did you know magistrates are ordinary people who volunteer 13 days a year to support the justice system? They make up 85% of the judiciary and deal with over 90% of all criminal cases.

Discover how sentencing works in courts across England and Wales, the types of sentence offenders can receive and how judges and magistrates go about working out what sentence to give someone convicted of a criminal offence - youtube.com/watch?v=M4CIve…

When Luke said that he wanted to be a JP at 20, his friends all had one question: "Why?" Here Luke takes us inside the magistrates' courts where he has been convicting, sentencing, and acquitting offenders and explains his reasons why - bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0…

All criminal cases start in Magistrates Court. Serious cases are sent to Crown Court, but in other cases you will decide the course of action. Magistrates can impose fines, community penalties & prison sentences of up to 6 mth. In exceptional cases this can extend to up to 12 mph

Magistrates of the Family Court make key decisions for the future and protection of a child who needs to be taken into care or put up for adoption. They also help separated parents make arrangements for their children, enforce maintenance orders & help prevent domestic abuse.

Get guidance on completing an application form to become a magistrate, including details of what you need to supply for restricted occupations, criminal records, important qualities for the role and references. An information pack can be found - gov.uk/government/pub…

Magistrates are volunteers who serve their local communities. Ever wondered what they do in their 'day job's? Judicial Office have been speaking to some of them: instagram.com/p/B9UbFWzJXM6/

You don’t need any legal qualifications to apply to be a magistrate, but you do need to have an interest in local justice and a commitment to the rule of law. Find out more at gov.uk/become-magistr…

We're accepting applications for potential new magistrates to sit throughout Yorkshire, Humber and the North East Family Courts . Do you have the 6 key qualities we are seeking? More information on the role and the application process can be found at: gov.uk/become-magistr…

challenging day in court today as trainee presiding justice; lots of complex cases with nuance, long pronouncements for sentances and during an appraisal to boot! if you'd like to know more, visit icanbeamagistrate.co.uk