How do I become a magistrate?

[jedimistress]

Anyone have experience in this? What is it like and what is the application procedure like, etc? Thanks.

[spinchimp]

You will find all you need to know here:
http://www.magistrates.gov.uk/

[spinchimp]

incidentaly, I was a magistrate (had to step down because of work pressures), but I have for the last 9 years been a member of the advisory commitee of my local magistrates bench. In this capacity I have been part of the panel that interviews people wanting to become magistrates.
When interviewing the panel would look for a mix of people in order that the Bench reflected the make up of the local community. We would want to see that people had an interest in local issues, particularly issues relation to crime - what local people were concerned about. We would be interested in their views on the purpose of sentances and also their views on race equality. We were not looking for experts or people with qualificaitions - just local people with some commonsense and an understanding of their community.
Please do apply - and good luck if you do!

[spinchimp]

And finally - you should be aware that magistrates are volunteers - you can claim expenses (including loss of earnings), but don't get paid.

[spinchimp]

Have these replies been of any help?

[jedimistress]

Yes thanks very much Spin chimp.