Calling all Magistrates or Legal Professionals!!

[STAH]

Perhaps someone could answer a question for me please?

I wish to apply to sit on the bench in my local city, however, my mother is also a JP for the same Magistrate's Association.

My question is: Will the fact that my mum sits in the same area (but not necessarily the same bench) mean that I can not get appointed owing to our close relationship?

I have checked various sites, however I have received a conflict of answers. The BBC states that I will not be appointed in the same area, whereas other sites are more liberal. It may be the case that I will have to contact the courts directly, but I thought I would check on here before I do.

Thanking you in anticipation,

Scott.

[gary baldy]

My dads a magistrate and i was interested in becoming one and was told emphatically that i cant sit on the same bench - this is in Manchester.

[STAH]

Hi Gary. Thanks for your answer. I am in Southampton and there are various benches. My mum sits on the Thursday bench, so do you know if I could sit on say the Monday bench?

Hope this makes sense to you. Did you pursue your interest and apply to another court?

Thanks in advance.

[gary baldy]

I couldnt sit on the manchester bench no matter what day it was on!
I would have to go to another borough (in Manchester's case Salford, Trafford, Stockport , Tameside etc)
I dont know how Southampton is set up but i'm guessing its the same - you cannot sit on the same bench but should have no problem in an adjacent borough.
I didnt bother persuing it but ironically my dad sits in Manchester but lives in Salford where as i live in manchester but would now have to go to Salford!