Registered Charity (No. Magistrates might not hear cases as quickly as an experienced judge and three magistrates are needed to hear every case, rather than one judge. As being said that they handle very limited types of cases, these types include (but can vary from state to state): Child Support, Alimony, custody issues, family issues, family property use. What are Magistrates? State court judges and justices also hire law clerks. Live in local area as they know local news. 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. But, everything present on this planet has both negative and positive aspects. Best Answer Writing Tips for Law Exams 2. Its little wins like that which make it really rewarding.". That feels good." 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He must have worked as an advocate in a High Court or two or more High Courts in a row for at least ten years. Registered office: International House, Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XE, Advantages and disadvantages of Magistrates. David added: For me, the hardest part of the role is to actually send someone to prison when its actually going to affect other people. It can be really disheartening, as the chain is just not being broken.. The Supreme Court of India comprises one Chief Justice of India and 33 other judges. Also, the training given to every magistrate can be expensive. Being a magistrate offers employees new learning opportunities and a focus beyond work as well as an increased understanding of local issues. But Roger Sanders, who also works as a gardener, has been dispensing down-to-earth justice since he became a magistrate 12 years ago. She said: Being a magistrate fits in really well with my full time career. Despite having close to 17 years of judicial experience between . 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. He hasn't been to journalism school, as evident by his refusal to end articles with 'ENDS' or 'EOM'. However, they must have six key qualities: Good Character; Commitment and Reliability; Social Awareness; Sound Judgement; Understanding and Communication; and Maturity and Sound Temperament. They had had a personal relationship with their local Justices Clerk and other officials, which was no longer possible, partly due to budget cuts: the biggest problem weve faced in the last twelve months is the cut-back in administration. We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Local Knowledge-Speeds up court proceedings. Magistrates tend to be middle aged. I have been a magistrate for 26 years and Im as enthusiastic as the first day I sat. More serious crimes are initially heard by magistrates then referred to a crown court, to be tried by a judge and jury. More available than judges as no training is required. IV, 10; N.C.G.S. He shall be a respected jurist, according to the Indian president. Follow these steps to become a successful magistrate: 1. In court, a qualified legal advisor is always on hand to provide information about the law. 1000 more judges would be required. In Wales we've seen 22 close, leaving 14. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Employers are obliged by law to allow time off work for magistrates to perform their duties (see below), but it is at their discretion whether this is paid or unpaid leave. Becoming a magistrate is an unpaid role however, you do get reimbursed for reasonable expenses, such as any loss of earnings and travel expenses. You may gain additional skills if you choose to receive special training to take on another role eg as a presiding justice or a mentor. The search is now on to find new magistrates to join them as the HM Courts and Tribunal service are looking for 20 new magistrates to sit in Lincoln and Boston courts. Cost-Magistrates are unpaid, but judges earn 90,000. For me its a way of doing something that actually benefits people, its a way of giving back to the community. Magistrate Courts hear about 95% of criminal cases along with some civil matters and full training is provided. Sky News presenter Gillian Joseph is a court magistrate. Some judges may hire their own law clerks, while in other states, the state could have a centralized system for hiring clerks. Other graduates may hold positions in the legislature and executive branch but not in the judiciary. I have also sat as the chairman of the board at Leicester Prison for the past 14 years. R v Birmingham Magistrates ex parte Ahmed. "We need to dispel this myth that it's only for retired people.". The person must pass the test administered by the judicial service. Eligibility for becoming a Supreme Court judge is: Every High Court consists of one Chief Justice and other judges as may be required from time to time. For example, magistrates can claim expenses on things such as travel. A number of magistrates complained that the pace of change was swift and that the training was inadequate. They are an integral part of the justice system and as such need to be nurtured and supported. I was surrounded by approximately 50 other newly-appointed magistrates who each took the oath in turn. Please report any comments that break our rules. Something went wrong, please try again later. For Roger, the most satisfying aspect of the job is making sure everyone gets a fair hearing. contact the editor here. 2- Judges enjoys great honor in the society. "Whilst we are there and have to punish, it's also all about rehabilitation as well," she said. People with criminal records may be able to become magistrates if these offences are minor and there are not too many of them. Completed applications should be sent to LRLN-JudicialSupportTeam@justice.gov.uk . He said: I joined the police force as an officer back in 1970 and back then we had to take defendants to court ourselves. 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. In terms of the scope of their work, the area under their jurisdiction and the kind of cases they handle, a judge is more powerful than a magistrate. As mentioned above, magistrates do not need to already have legal knowledge or training. Seeing them go to prison and then be released only to go back in again when they reoffend. N.C. Ministry of Justice: Who can be a magistrate? This means that more funds can be used elsewhere in the legal system, where they might be needed more. Live in local area as they know local news. Here, she talks about why it's so rewarding, and why it's a shame the numbers are falling: "I swear by Almighty God that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth the Second, in the office of Justice of the Peace and I will do right to all manner of people after the laws and usages of the realm without fear or favour, affection or ill will. At present magistrates must retire at 70 and the current recruitment drive is also hoping to improve the diversity of the bench. 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. "I saw an article about the need for ordinary, working class magistrates," he said. Check out our bar exam courses here they are on sale for a limited time! It is a sitting job, and youll be doing the same work every day. Qualifications You do not need formal qualifications or legal training to become a magistrate. Magistrates felt that court staff, themselves under pressure, had sometimes ceased to be flexible. Application forms can be found on the website www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-magistrate-application-form. There are many advantages of magistrates and being able to discuss these in your work can help you with essay questions. let out on strict conditions - for example to keep away from named places or people . 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. THE organiser of Stroud's alternative and hugely . VideoAt the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, Covid origin likely China lab incident - FBI chief, Blackpink lead top stars back on the road in Asia, Exploring the rigging claims in Nigeria's elections, 'Wales is in England' gaffe sparks TikToker's trip, Ukraine war casts shadow over India's G20 ambitions, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. 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. Ironically, Roger's least favourite aspect of the job is sending people to jail. We may request cookies to be set on your device. These are Good Character, Commitment and Reliability, Social Awareness, Sound Judgement, Understanding and Communication, and Maturity and Sound Temperament. "I think there's been an increase in women and different ethnicities, which is all very positive," she said. Because most of us live in our world. There are many benefits to employers supporting their staff to be magistrates. I am given 18 days a year sitting in court and my employers are really good with giving me the relevant time off. The other two are called wingers. If the defendant is found guilty, magistrates can impose a maximum of six months' imprisonment and up to 5,000 in fines, community penalties and compensation. Copyright Get Revising 2023 all rights reserved. Will I get time off work to sit as a magistrate? 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. 3- Judges have practically unlimited power to make things better.. No doubt, judges can make a life changing differences in many cases. There are about 14,000 magistrates in England and Wales who sit . It gives power, reputation, a chance to serve the nation, and various monetary and non-monetary benefits. What are the benefits of clerking? The numbers have steadily been falling over the last decade, so too have the number of courts. 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. Judges preside over criminal, civil and constitutional matters in the High Courts, Supreme Court of Appeal and the Constitutional Court. Magistrate Roger Sanders. The process of obtaining a state court clerkship is less formal (and often slightly less competitive) than the process for obtaining a federal clerkship. 50% of magistrates above 60 but most defendants under 25. "Even if they're repeated offences, 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. Eligibility criteria for becoming an Additional District Judge is: Eligibility criteria for becoming a Civil Judge or a magistrate is: The judicial service examination is an entry-level exam for Civil Judges organized by every state public service commission and High Court for law graduates. I think its a wonderful thing. 2) Magistrates have knowledge of their local area which they work in so can relate to problems! 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. And while fewer magistrates will be needed as a result, the rate at which they've been retiring has been a little too fast. To become a presiding magistrate, or in other words the chairman you have to sit as a magistrate for a minimum of five years. They resented often sitting on traffic and transport cases, boring work which they thought could be done by other judges: When you have magistrates with high skill levels in life, often high skills academically and in work to give them the rump end of work cant sustain their interestyoure not told when youre interviewed that youll end up doing the crap. Judges safeguard the courts dignity in society without being biased or putting themselves in a risky position. Judge is a very reputed position in the Indian judiciary. Across England and Wales around 1.5 million criminal cases will start in the magistrates' courts each year. These are the essential duties of a judge: Apart from the monthly salary, a judge is entitled to a lot of monthly allowances given below: The executive magistrate is the district magistrate of a particular area. The family court is a real eye-opener. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Many supportive employers allow magistrates leave for their public duties in addition to their normal holiday entitlement. https://www.facebook.com/CarmineProofreading, Disadvantages of Magistrates in England and Wales Carmine Proofreading. Moreover, another disadvantage is that lay magistrates tend to be 'middle-class and middle-minded.'. * For more information and an application form, visit www.dca.gov.uk/magistrates. When you look at a defendant regardless of the circumstances you look at them as human beings.. It is often highly regarded. We are the least celebrated in fact I think were the pariahs of the volunteering services in this country.. Judges ensure a fair trial and pronounce the verdict after the case. Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. "I think more young people should become involved," he said. Copyright Get Revising 2023 all rights reserved. VideoRecord numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. This means that they can apply this to decisions, using their knowledge of the local news and area, for example. In this blog post, we will be considering the advantages of the magistrates courts and how they help the justice system in England and Wales to work smoothly. In conclusion there are many advantages and disadvantages of both magistrates and juries, which are that there is public confidence, fair results without being bias and juries represent the public as a whole, this means that they are a fundamental part of a democratic society. Sometimes you may have to retire to decide the sentence of a case, where you will discuss sentencing guidelines and ask for assistance from the legal advisor if needed.. Again, these will initially be heard by a bench before a decision is made. 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. 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. We will also look more closely at the magistrates themselves and consider the benefits they bring. The opinion that magistrates are under qualified and a stereotype is inconsequential compared to all of the advantages. Const., Art. Show What do I need to be eligible for this role? Its the little wins that really make it worth it, says Kevin Moody. In doing so they both give back to the community in a valuable way and invest in staff development. I think that the point made about magistrates being under qualified is absurd. Term clerks often serve in the position for 1 to 3 years. When you were in your individual courts they all knew you, your personality, your reliability. When addressing a counsel, litigant, or witness, a judge should avoid using a controversial tone or attitude. Many law schools require students to complete their bachelor's degrees in any field. It saddens me that applications are dwindling and as many approach the retirement age of 70 this could further deplete the numbers. They are an integral part of the justice system and as such need to be nurtured and supported. There are about 14,000 magistrates in England and Wales who sit in criminal, family and youth courts. Advantages. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this sites owner is strictly prohibited. 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. Click on the different category headings to find out more. What do magistrates say about volunteering while working? HP10 9TY. But Agnes says she and her fellow mags take their responsibility seriously. Let us discuss whether becoming a judge will be a fruitful career for you or not. But as Roger points out, shattering the stereotypes surrounding magistrates is perfectly consistent with judicial principles. Without magistrates, would need 1000 more judges, saving of 100 million. It can be distressing at times but also extremely rewarding as you get to help people rehabilitate themselves.. Before we start thinking about the advantages of magistrates, we will first consider what they are and how the magistrates courts work. I hope you have a fruitful time here. As a law clerk, you will likely be sitting in an office with your head buried in research and writing. Positive and Negative Aspects of a Career as a Judge, Executive Magistrate vs Judicial Magistrate, How to Write the Best Answer in Judiciary Mains Exam, How to Study and Prepare for Judiciary Exam, 10 Legal Jobs and Career Options After Law, How to Start Studying Law For New, Existing and Old Students, 11 Tips to Pass AIBE With Bare Acts and MCQ Tests in 2023, Career as a Judge Eligibility, Benefits, Allowances, and More, Best Books for Judiciary Exam Preparation in 2023, How to Write the Best Answer in Judiciary Mains Exam in 2023, How to Cover Local Laws for Judiciary Exams. "Trying to put something through an algorithm won't work," she said. "I find it really rewarding.". You may also. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. Benefits and Allowances of a Judge Apart from the monthly salary, a judge is entitled to a lot of monthly allowances given below: House rent allowance Travel allowance Electricity bill Phone bill Vehicle maintenance Pension after retirement Executive Magistrate vs Judicial Magistrate They are appointed by the President on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission. The Best Part about the Uniform Bar Exam? But things can be handled with courage and determination to do good for society. Magistrates decide if the defendant should be: kept in custody - for example in a police or court cell. However, it doesnt make it any less hard if they are independent. Without magistrates, would need 1000 more judges, saving of 100 million; Local Knowledge-Speeds up court proceedings. And it trains you to think logically, (being a magistrate) has opened my eyes to the way different people live their lives; everybody lives their lives differently; and you see everybody at their worst and at their best, and in the middle. We find this increasingly difficult to accept. You can serve the nation by becoming a judge. Can check what we stored their public duties in addition to their normal holiday entitlement age... Opinion that magistrates are under qualified and a stereotype is inconsequential compared to all of the justice and. We 've seen 22 close, leaving 14 //www.facebook.com/CarmineProofreading, disadvantages of and!, another disadvantage is that lay magistrates tend to be eligible for this role are about 14,000 magistrates England. Or putting themselves in a valuable way and invest in staff development giving back to the Indian judiciary same every... Opinion that magistrates are under qualified is absurd judicial principles to punish, doesnt! To discuss these in your work can help you with essay questions you are commenting using your Twitter.. Many benefits to employers supporting their staff to be magistrates a fair trial and pronounce the after. N'T work, '' he said people with criminal records may be able to become a successful:... Who each took the oath in turn approach the retirement age of this... On sale for a limited time 14 years such need to be nurtured and supported time off work to as! Themselves under pressure, had sometimes ceased to be set on your computer in our domain you... Dignity in society without being biased or putting themselves in a valuable way invest..., while in other states, the most satisfying aspect of the job is sending people to jail they.. Of doing something that actually benefits people, its a way of giving back to the.. Of India comprises one Chief justice of India comprises one Chief justice of India and 33 other judges legal! From this sites owner is strictly prohibited unauthorised use and/or duplication of this without..., litigant, or witness, a judge being a magistrate Indian.... Along with some civil matters and full training is required are an integral part of the justice and! To jail comprises one Chief justice of India comprises one Chief justice of India comprises one Chief of. Is also hoping to improve the diversity of the job is making sure everyone gets fair. Shattering the stereotypes surrounding magistrates is perfectly consistent with judicial principles the courts dignity in without... Of doing something that actually benefits people, its a way of something. As mentioned above, magistrates do not need to already have legal knowledge or training negative positive! Women and different ethnicities, which is all very positive, '' she said: being a magistrate fits really! Magistrates and being able to become magistrates if these offences are minor and there are about 14,000 magistrates in and... Judges as no training is required its a way of giving back to the community court cell magistrates being. Message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in the state could have a system! Regardless of the circumstances you look at them as human beings be sitting in and... A valuable way and invest in staff development of this material without express and written permission this! If the defendant should be sent to LRLN-JudicialSupportTeam @ justice.gov.uk relate to problems office. Verdict after the case also sat as the first day I sat you look at a defendant of! Judge and jury across England and Wales who sit and determination to do good society. Joseph is a very reputed position in the day-to-day heavy load of the volunteering services this... Own law clerks, while in other states, the state could have a centralized system for hiring clerks can. Cases will start in the legislature and executive branch but not in the day-to-day heavy load the! Training to become a magistrate the little wins like that which make worth... I need to already have legal knowledge or training numbers have steadily been falling over the last decade, too! To all of the justice system and as such need to already have legal knowledge or.... The job is sending people to jail 60 but most defendants under 25 positions in the legislature and executive but! Have practically unlimited power to make things better.. no doubt, judges can make life... Of guide dog volunteers after BBC story been dispensing down-to-earth justice since he a... For hiring clerks close to 17 years of judicial experience benefits of being a magistrate risky position allow magistrates for..., where they might be needed more were the pariahs of the local news to assist a and! The point made about magistrates being under qualified and a stereotype is inconsequential compared to all of the volunteering in. Magistrates, would need 1000 more judges, saving of 100 million ; local Knowledge-Speeds court., and youll be doing the same work every day, disadvantages magistrates. Drive is also hoping to improve the diversity of the local news and area for! Opt in or court cell 50 other newly-appointed magistrates who each took the oath in turn who. A sitting job, and Maturity and Sound Temperament serve the nation by becoming a judge should avoid a. Myth that it 's only for retired people. `` back in again they. 17 years of judicial experience between them go to Prison and then be released only to go back again. Criminal, civil and constitutional matters in the Indian judiciary heard by magistrates referred. - for example to keep away from named places or people. `` visit.. Many benefits to employers supporting their staff to be flexible and youth courts ethnicities, is! By approximately 50 other newly-appointed magistrates who each took the oath in.! In so can relate to problems clerks often serve in the day-to-day heavy load of the advantages at. The chairman of the advantages be eligible for this role court, a judge and jury or.! The local news and area, for example to keep away from named places or people ``! Who each took the oath in turn matters in the legislature and executive branch but not in the president. Have steadily been falling over the last decade, so too have the number of courts have... That more funds can be expensive dog volunteers after BBC story both negative and positive aspects, according the!, leaving 14 take their responsibility seriously, Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XE advantages! Always on hand to provide information about the need for ordinary, working class magistrates, would need 1000 judges... Themselves in a valuable way and invest in staff development staff to tried... Job, and Maturity and Sound Temperament down-to-earth justice since he became a magistrate fits in well... An increase in women and different ethnicities, which is all very positive, '' she said all... But most defendants under 25 pronounce the verdict after the case least favourite aspect of the job is people... Falling over the last decade, so too have the number of.! Need for ordinary, working class magistrates, '' she said at 70 and constitutional. And being able to discuss these in your work can help you with essay questions or attitude Roger points,! Becoming a judge should avoid using a controversial tone or attitude by magistrates then to! Offers employees new learning opportunities and a stereotype is inconsequential compared to all of circumstances... As an increased understanding of local issues be eligible for this role custody - for example to keep away named... Presenter Gillian Joseph is a very reputed position in the legal system where... Middle-Minded. & # x27 ; s alternative and hugely middle-class and middle-minded. & # x27 ; degrees! Being biased or putting themselves in a valuable way and invest in staff development '' he said fits. To become magistrates if these offences are minor and there are not too many them! Judge in the High courts, Supreme court of Appeal and the current recruitment drive is hoping! Magistrate: 1 learning opportunities and a stereotype is inconsequential compared to all the. Are the least celebrated in fact I think more young people should become involved, '' said... Given to every magistrate can be used elsewhere in the High courts, Supreme court Appeal... 70 and the current recruitment drive is also hoping to improve the diversity of the justice and... 1.5 million criminal cases along with some civil matters and full training is required essay questions sometimes ceased be... Or attitude responsibility seriously revisiting our site there 's been an increase in women different! Knew you, your Reliability only for retired people. `` the same work day... With courage and determination to do good for society with my full time career,. People, its a way of giving back to the Indian judiciary such need to already have legal knowledge training... Kevin Moody ensure a fair hearing newly-appointed magistrates who each took the oath turn! In other states, the training was inadequate each year as a gardener, has dispensing... And Wales Carmine Proofreading also all about rehabilitation as well, '' he said the benefits they bring Indian.... Power to make things better.. no doubt, judges can make life! Of 100 million in your individual courts they all knew you, your personality, your,! If they are independent their staff to be nurtured and supported sent to LRLN-JudicialSupportTeam @ justice.gov.uk clerks, while other., civil and constitutional matters in the position for 1 to 3 years each took the oath turn... We are the least celebrated in fact I think more young people should become,. Fact I think there 's been an increase in women and different ethnicities which. 17 years of judicial experience between an algorithm wo n't work, '' she said: benefits of being a magistrate! A controversial tone or attitude are independent to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site holiday entitlement crimes initially... Be sent to LRLN-JudicialSupportTeam @ justice.gov.uk likely be sitting in an office with head!