Following the full implementation of the Courts Act 2003, there is no longer a statutory minimum length of service to qualify a magistrate for appointment to the Supplemental List upon resignation from the bench, or retirement before reaching the age of 70. Those who resign or retire before reaching the age of 70 may apply to have their name placed on the Supplemental List irrespective of their length of service, and Advisory Committees must ensure that all magistrates are aware of this right to apply. All applications must have the full support of the Advisory Committee, who may wish to take into account factors such as an individual's commitment to the magistracy, their reasons for leaving the bench, and any recent conduct or appraisal issues. All magistrates will continue to have their names automatically transferred to the Supplemental List on reaching the statutory retirement age of 70.
Sign any document for the purpose of authenticating another person’s signature.
Take and authenticate by his/her signature any written declaration not made on oath.
Give a certificate of facts within his/her knowledge or of his/her opinion as to any matter.
Use of the suffix JP - click on the link for the most recent guidance.
Several magistrates decide to undertake voluntary work for Victim Support whilst still on the supplemental list. Whilst the duties on the list imply no conflict of interest with undertaking this work, it would be inappropriate for supplemental list magistrates to be involved with victims or witnesses appearing before their former bench. There might be a public perception that such victims or witnesses might be afforded preferential treatment.
