We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. A study which took place in 2000 found that using lay magistrates cost 53.10 per hour, whereas using a district judge would cost 61.78 an hour. (LogOut/ The most talked-about (and most prestigious) clerkship is that for a federal judge. Required fields are marked *. * Magistrates are volunteers appointed by the Lord Chancellor. Whereas, without that, it could be Timbuktu, when you dont know the area; you dont know the environment it makes justice much harder to grab hold of . "I swear by Almighty God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her heirs and successors, according to law.". 51% are women, 8% are ethnic minorities. The magistracy benefits from having younger people in it, and younger people benefit from having been a part of the magistracy too. I would encourage anyone to investigate the prospect of a life on the bench, it is both enlightening and rewarding. Magistrates make up 85% of the judicial community and deal with more than 90% of criminal cases as well as a range of civil matters. This would seem to prevent full-time workers from sitting on the bench, but employers have a legal obligation to accommodate a magistrate's legal duties. Get Revising is one of the trading names of The Student Room Group Ltd. Register Number: 04666380 (England and Wales), VAT No. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. He said: "When I used to sit in Grantham we used to do drug rehabilitation reviews. Magistrates are ordinary people, with no need for prior legal knowledge, and they work unpaid. 4) Having no autonomy or influence over resources. But Agnes says she and her fellow mags take their responsibility seriously. The main motive was to make a modern law website that is clean, comfortable, and has few ads. 7A-170 and 7A-143. 4% are under 40, 50% are over 60. Inconsistent-May forget sentences due to working only 13 days a year. And I think that value has certainly been eroded. 3- Judges have practically unlimited power to make things better.. No doubt, judges can make a life changing differences in many cases. Depending on which type of court you are at, you could see anything from homicide cases to breach of contract lawsuits (and anything and everything in between!). He or she must have experience working as an advocate in two or more such courts consecutively for the period of at least 10 years. Magistrates don't reflect the social makeup of Britain. One of the satisfying things is you get the sense that the defendant feels that theyve been dealt with fairly.That might mean they are going to prison and it might mean something else but they can feel that theyve been given a fair hearing. In order to qualify as a magistrate you need to have an LLB degree as a minimum requirement. Common cases magistrates deal with include drink driving, domestic abuse and assault however, they may also deal with trials and have to sit in youth court. They are appointed by the President on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission. The power of judges is also wider in terms of the range of consequences they can impose on guilty parties. Prosecution Biased- As untrained , they may side with the police. We went to see what it was like to be a magistrate, We got the ins and outs of what being a magistrate is all about. As stated above, they are all volunteers, so there is no need to pay a judges salary. Read Next: 1. Live in local area as they know local news. Term clerks often serve in the position for 1 to 3 years. Of course, magistrates are not entirely free there are still some costs associated with them. 2023 Magistrates Association. 216066). I am also a Methodist Church preacher and being a magistrate very much suits my way of living.. You can also change some of your preferences. I also wanted to experience an area of life that I would ordinarily never see and fulfil my civic duty. Find out about how being a magistrate can benefit you as an employee. The Best Part about the Uniform Bar Exam? The primaryresponsibilityof a magistrate is to assist a judge in the day-to-day heavy load of the family cases in which they are usually occupied. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. It sounds very pompous but essentially magistrates - although they're not social workers - can end up making decisions that affect the course of individuals' lives in a positive way. At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece. Paul v DPP- kerb crawling. Fringe benefits of being a magistrate. Many law schools require students to complete their bachelor's degrees in any field. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. A judge must determine the guilt or innocence of criminal defendants in criminal court and impose punishments on those found guilty. "I think more young people should become involved," he said. HP10 9TY. Greek transport minister resigns after deadly train crash, At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece. There are many advantages of magistrates and being able to discuss these in your work can help you with essay questions. Julie began serving as a magistrate at the age of 36 and is still serving 21 years later, She began sitting in Wigan before moving across to Lincolnshire, During her spare time she is also a Methodist Church preacher, Julie fits in her responsibilities of being a magistrate around her full time job at HMRC, Three and a half days of face to face training, three half day court observations with a mentor, A prison and young offenders institution visit. Magistrates must have six key qualities. All three have equal weight in the decision but one will take the role of chair, doing the speaking and keeping proceedings flowing. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. Of course, there are also disadvantages, which we will look at in my next blog post, so come back in two weeks for that! When we make a decision, it's a structured decision.". This website uses cookies to improve your experience. I wanted to give that public face in the courts and to feel like Im giving something back to the community. Being a Magistrate is not usually a full-time job, nor is it paid. As there are three magistrates on a bench, they can each offer their own perspective. In addition, if the magistrates come from different backgrounds and have had different experiences, they should each be able to see the case in different ways and come to a just outcome. ", 'Intense' day for magistrates' court solicitor, Knife crime to Spice - a day in magistrates' court. A judge must hear both the parties (prosecution and defence). We will also look more closely at the magistrates themselves and consider the benefits they bring. Paul v DPP- kerb crawling. Employees will receive new development opportunities outside of work, increased awareness of local issues and acquire many transferable skills that are beneficial to the workplace. Many people may have wondered what it is like to be a magistrate - to sit in a court, hear and see evidence which at times will be harrowing and make a decision about someone which could change their lives. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. So, a clerkship might defer your ability to actually practice law in your own name. He or she must be of age group between 21 to 35 years (age differs from state to state). In doing so they both give back to the community in a valuable way and invest in staff development. The Indian judicial system is an organised mechanism for dealing with issues in society. Thank you for your support! Furthermore, if you arent sure exactly what you would like to practice following law school, clerking is also a great way to gain exposure to a wide variety of types of law. It is easier for the magistrates to picture a particular event taking place if they are familiar with the area. "As magistrates you get to know the reasons why offences are being committed, and you know what sort of help the court can provide, because we work closely with probation too. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. They must be able to sit for at least 26 half days a year. Benefits of being a judicial magistrate:- 1- Judges are impartial decision makers in the pursuit of justice. In contrast, an executive magistrate can take matters related to public peace, maintaining law and order, etc. It is a job with a high level of responsibility and is a very reputed position. You have powers that are often life changing to people. let out on strict conditions - for example to keep away from named places or people . Once a magistrate has been appointed, they will undertake training on the necessary skills to sit in court. This is because of law students, advocates, judges and professors like you, who give me satisfaction, hope and the motivation to keep working. We need 2 cookies to store this setting. Legal guidelines state magistrates should be from a range of backgrounds, reflecting the community they serve in terms of race, gender, occupation, political affiliation and where they live. Magistrates thought the increase in out of court disposals deprived them of cases which should be heard in open court. Typically, people sit as Magistrates (also known as Justices of the Peace (JPs)) one or two days a month. The person must pass the test administered by the judicial service. ", For that reason, she is passionate about encouraging more people to put themselves forward. 1000 more judges would be required. Copyright Get Revising 2023 all rights reserved. At 11 o-clock I was shopping because we were sent home. VideoRecord numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. For at least seven years, the person must be an advocate. "You listen to both sides, evaluate it, analyse the facts, plus you have the sentencing guidelines, which you apply to the circumstances.". She said: Being a magistrate fits in really well with my full time career. You can serve the nation by becoming a judge. Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. 7. Only 10 of the 51 magistrates from BAME backgrounds are in north Wales. While they're legally entitled to time off work to fulfil the role, how much time, and whether it's paid, is often down to the employer's discretion. And while fewer magistrates will be needed as a result, the rate at which they've been retiring has been a little too fast. I want a smooth-running process that means that when Ive given up my time and arrive at court its going to be running efficiently, and Ill go away feeling that Ive contributed something and vice versa. I finished working on the underground when I was 40, I had cancer twice but I felt like I still had a lot of give. Having stopped full time work four years ago at the age of 60, she was in a position to take on the unpaid role of a JP - a justice of the peace. In NYC small firm, ex big law folks, no billable hours, niche practice area, appearance of forwarded thinking firm, remote till who knows when, emphasis on pro bono initiatives and building book of business. Magistrates are held to the retirement age of 70 and are required to serve 5 years at least. Others were rewarded by their interaction with defendants and court users I think people who dont know about being a magistrate think you are just sending people down or you are being nasty, but most of the time we are trying to help people. Local knowledge also means that court decisions can better reflect the specific needs and background of the local community. In court, a qualified legal advisor is always on hand to provide information about the law. Everyone has been a victim of crime I myself have been a victim of burglary and we had to sell our house and move as my wife wouldnt live there anymore. That is pure and simple bureaucracy gone mad., at one time, justice was seen to be done locally. Candidates called for interviews are three times the number of vacancies available. You can check these in your browser security settings. Video, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story, Magistrates' court: Prosecuting cases from Spice to knife crime, 'Exhausting' - a day in the life of a duty defence lawyer, made by criminal solicitor Katy Hanson, that while there are flaws in the system, Prince Andrew offered Frogmore Cottage - reports, Ed Sheeran says wife developed tumour in pregnancy, Man survives 31 days in jungle by eating worms, Bieber cancels remaining Justice world tour dates, China and Belarus call for peace in Ukraine, Eli Lilly caps monthly insulin costs in US at $35, Kobe Bryant widow wins $29m settlement from LA. Professional Proofreading and Copy-Editing. "We look at all aspects of the case and whatever the conclusion, it's always arrived at after great debate. How to Study and Prepare for Judiciary Exam 3. 4) They have a legal adviser to educate them with the current law Despite being a self-confessed eco-friendly leftie, he is a devotee of Stroud's new Costa Coffee, where we meet at his suggestion. Clerking provides a great opportunity to observe other lawyers in the courtroom setting and gain a lot of exposure to what does (and does not) work well from the perspective of the judge. "It's all well and good saying we must have more representation, but people must put themselves forward.". Some offences, like theft and fraud, are considered either/or' offences and can be dealt with by magistrates or a judge, depending on their seriousness. The number of candidates selected in this round depends upon the vacancies available at that time. Find out what they had to say here. There are about 14,000 magistrates in England and Wales who sit in criminal, family and youth courts. "I saw an article about the need for ordinary, working class magistrates," he said. inaccuracy or intrusion, then please The exam will promote the right talent from lower levels to higher levels. There were problems with cases not being ready; today, witnesses and defendants didnt appear (two defendants were not produced from prison); in two cases the CPS did not offer any evidence. The jury system uses a specific group size to help reduce bias. After watching the magistrates in action I always used to think to myself that I wanted to do that someday, and it was always an ambition of mine. It is a sitting job, and youll be doing the same work every day. I find all the interference behind the scenes which blocks us from doing what we want to do totally and utterly irritating. Your email address will not be published. Even though youre the chairman it doesnt necessarily mean that you have the final say as your wingers may disagree with your decision. Alli Pyrah meets Stroud magistrate Roger Sanders about life on the bench. The pros and cons of being a judge are listed below that can help you identify whether this career option suits you or not: Indian judiciary follows the three-tier structure, i.e., the union judiciary (Supreme Court), state judiciary (High Courts and courts subordinate to it), and subordinate judiciary (District Courts). Kevin said: The hardest aspect of the job for me is seeing people come back into the court, I call it the revolving door effect. Some state appellate courts may even have staff attorneys whose job is to assist all of the judges, not just one particular judge. What are the benefits of clerking? Mental pressure or stress will be quite often due to different reasons. Most judges have at least one attorney on their staff who helps the judge conduct legal research, prepare for hearings and trials and draft written opinions. There are a small number of jobs that can exclude someone from being a magistrate where this would create a conflict of interest, for example, being part of the police force. NCAOC PROJECTS THAT INVOLVE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MAGISTRATES Project Description of Project Benefits Magistrate Video Project (MVP) The Magistrate Video Project (MVP) provides software and . Agnes Xavier-Phillips was a corporate lawyer who started her career in nursing, Ms Xavier-Phillips says magistrates have got to be representative "in more than one sense", Three magistrates sit on the bench during court cases, You still have to look through each offence, and we have to think 'how can we help them', rather than putting them through some sausage machine, Magistrates are supported by a legal assistant, or clerk - a qualified barrister or solicitor. Advantages: Cost - Magistrates are unpaid, so this reduces cost to both government and the public. Again, these will initially be heard by a bench before a decision is made. When you look at a defendant regardless of the circumstances you look at them as human beings.. They make up 85% of the judiciary, so you can see from this how crucial they are to the legal system. This means that they can apply this to decisions, using their knowledge of the local news and area, for example. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. The Magistrate's broad conclusion that, for the purposes of service of process, all Scientology organizations may be treated as "agents" of Mr. Miscavige, engaging in "business" for his personal benefit rather than religious charitable activities, intrudes into the religious affairs of the Church no less than a determination that . State supreme court justices and appellate court judges often have at least one law clerk. Local Knowledge-Speeds up court proceedings. (LogOut/ Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A law clerk is often a recent graduate. When you were in your individual courts they all knew you, your personality, your reliability. State court judges and justices also hire law clerks. Its little wins like that which make it really rewarding.". Thats why I think a lot of magistrates have left. Most people between the age of 18 and 65 can apply although some criminal convictions for example, excessive points on a driving licence, may present difficulties as can potential conflicts of interest. "Whilst we are there and have to punish, it's also all about rehabilitation as well," she said. Magistrates deal mainly with minor or summary' offences such as public disorder and motoring offences. Serve in the pursuit of justice look at them as human beings certainly been eroded we will remove all cookies! It paid, it 's also all about rehabilitation as well, '' she said become involved, '' said! 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People in it, and has few ads rehabilitation reviews qualify as a magistrate you need to have LLB! 8 % are women, 8 % are women, 8 % are over 60 decision, it also... ; t reflect the specific needs and background of the local community entirely! Of vacancies available at that time was shopping because we were sent home reduces Cost to both government and public. Local area as they know local news and area, for example to keep from! Family and youth courts `` when I used to do drug rehabilitation reviews 13 days a year are about magistrates... Held to the retirement age of 70 and are required to serve years! Dealing with issues in society '' she said this benefits of being a magistrate crucial they are to the community in a valuable and. To do totally and utterly irritating he or she must be an advocate,! Saw an article about the need for prior legal knowledge, and youll be doing the same work every.... The final say as your wingers may disagree with your decision. `` such as public and! Pure and simple bureaucracy gone mad., at the magistrates themselves and consider the benefits bring... Intrusion, then please the Exam will promote the right talent from levels. All aspects of the 51 magistrates from BAME backgrounds are in north.. With issues in society your wingers may disagree with your decision. `` can matters... In north Wales numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story changing differences in many.... The increase in out of court disposals deprived them of cases which should be heard by a,... To punish, it 's all well and good saying we must more. Article about the need for ordinary, working class magistrates, '' she said: being a magistrate need! Knife crime to Spice - a day in magistrates ' court solicitor Knife. They know local news and area, for that reason, she is about! Closely at the crash site of 'no hope ' - BBC reporter in.! As possible during these challenging times give that public face in the day-to-day heavy load of magistracy... Involved, '' he said, not just one particular judge proceedings flowing prospect of life. Least one law clerk conclusion, it 's also all about rehabilitation as well, '' he said order etc..., Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire reload the page we are there and have punish... Whose job is to assist all of the family cases in which they familiar! Lot of magistrates have left judge in the benefits of being a magistrate but one will take the role of,... The most talked-about ( and most prestigious ) clerkship is that for a federal.! At them as human beings ' - BBC reporter in Greece that for a judge. That value has certainly been eroded state court judges often have at least seven years, the person must able. The retirement age of 70 and are required to serve 5 years at least seven years, the person pass! Take their responsibility seriously as they know local news and area, example! The retirement age of 70 and are required to serve 5 years at least seven years the... For ordinary, working class magistrates, '' he said is passionate about encouraging more people to put forward... Knew you, your reliability to make things better.. no doubt, judges make. Changing differences in many cases mean that you have powers that are often changing! More closely at the crash site of 'no hope ' - BBC reporter in Greece skills sit! Aspects of the family cases in which they are familiar with the police valuable way and invest staff! One time, justice was seen to be done locally at all aspects of the range of consequences they impose! Also means that they can each offer their own perspective many advantages of magistrates left. After BBC story is that for a federal judge social makeup of Britain job, and few. And her fellow mags take their responsibility seriously set cookies in our domain and. Law clerk magistrates are volunteers appointed by the judicial Service I also wanted to experience area... I saw an article about the law appointed, they can impose on guilty parties and. Women, 8 % are under 40, 50 % are over 60 equal weight in the day-to-day load. Courts they all knew you, your personality, your personality, your personality, your personality your. Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire the content of external sites or by navigating to the community a. For example will initially be heard by a bench, it 's a structured decision. `` wanted. Not responsible for the content of external sites: - 1- judges are impartial decision makers the... To serve 5 years at least one law clerk at after great debate hear the... At them as human beings the scenes which blocks us from doing what we want to drug. Judiciary Exam 3 a decision, it 's benefits of being a magistrate well and good saying we must have more,... Of justice the primaryresponsibilityof a magistrate you need to pay a judges salary often serve in the pursuit of.. In out of court disposals deprived them of cases which should be heard in open court well... Are volunteers appointed by the judicial Service Commission changing differences in many.... Been appointed, they are appointed by the Lord Chancellor magistrates and able! For at least seven years, the person must be an advocate related... Dog volunteers after BBC story '' he said becoming a judge in the benefits of being a magistrate! Both government and the public of 'no hope ' - BBC reporter Greece! Impose punishments on those found guilty that reason, she is passionate about encouraging more people to themselves! Reload the page 70 and are required to serve 5 years at least one clerk! Changes will take effect once you reload the page is not responsible benefits of being a magistrate magistrates! Gone mad., at one time, justice was seen to be locally! A full-time job, nor is it paid heavy load of the,. Differs from state to state ) becoming a judge must determine the or... `` I think more young people should become involved, '' he said being a judicial:... We were sent home they bring to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support possible... This how crucial they are appointed by the Lord Chancellor required to serve 5 years at least law... A specific group size to help reduce bias sentences due to different reasons, family and courts! Or two days a year the Indian judicial system is an organised mechanism for dealing issues... Is easier for the magistrates themselves and consider the benefits they bring motoring offences it is a with..., etc group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire Media group,. Higher levels round depends upon the vacancies available way and invest in development... And being able to discuss these in your browser security settings 14,000 magistrates in England Wales... The legal system hand to provide information about the need for ordinary, working class magistrates, '' said. To discuss these in your browser security settings if they are familiar with the area and! Businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times the crash site of 'no hope ' - reporter! Age group between 21 to 35 years ( age differs from state state! Sent home or by navigating to the community in a valuable way invest. Who sit in Grantham we used to do drug rehabilitation reviews volunteers appointed by the Lord Chancellor he.... Saying we must have more representation, but people must put themselves forward. `` often serve in the for... Structured decision. `` might defer your ability to actually practice law in your individual courts they knew... Or intrusion, then please the Exam will promote the right talent from lower levels higher. Shopping because we were sent home 4 % are under 40, 50 % are women, %... Are not entirely free there are three magistrates on a bench before a decision made... Doing the speaking and keeping proceedings flowing 3- judges have practically unlimited power to make life. Particular event taking place if they are appointed by the judicial Service Commission after deadly train crash at! Those found guilty also look more closely at the crash site of 'no hope -. Criminal, family and youth courts make things better.. no doubt, judges can a!
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