As judicial office holders, magistrates play a vital role in the delivery of fair and timely justice for their communities. They’re also volunteers, who handle around 95% of all criminal cases, and a good proportion of family cases too. Their decisions affect hundreds of thousands of people every year, so it’s really important that magistrates reflect the make-up of the communities that they serve.
Provided they fit the requirements, anyone aged between 18 and 70 years old can become a magistrate, but 81% of magistrates currently in post are aged 50 and over. For Volunteers’ Week, which runs 1-7 June this year, we decided to speak to some young magistrates to find out their motivations for joining the magistracy and whether their age has led to different challenges.
Harry Bull, who is 26 and sits on the North Kent Bench, believes his age is a key benefit in the court room. He says: “Being judged by one’s peers is not just a saying, and given that most defendants we see are well under the age of 50, they should be represented on the Bench by people of their own age, with – if not always similar life experiences – then at least an understanding of society from their younger perspective.”
He adds: “Being younger also provides that slight edge, an ability to grasp (an increasing number of) cases involving social media and technology a bit quicker than my colleagues, saving time by explaining why bail conditions to prevent the use of Snapchat, or amending profile names to harass a former partner, can cause harm.”
So, what makes young people apply? Jessica Rigby, 36, Birmingham and Solihull Bench, says: “I wanted to become a magistrate ever since I studied Law at A Level and found the role fascinating. Given the voluntary nature, however, I imagined this would be something I would pursue later in life, perhaps in retirement.
After having my two children, my employment circumstances changed and gave me greater flexibility. At that point, I found myself wanting to continue developing my skills and take on a role that was both challenging and meaningful.”
Jack Howson, 32, Sussex Eastern Bench, is currently in training, having been sworn in as a family magistrate recently. He says: “I trained as a journalist in Manchester and had the privilege of going to court every once in a while to see how proceedings worked… I was always struck by how welcoming the magistrates were and fascinated by how ordinary people without a legal background could get involved in the courts. The fact that our judicial system involves the public in this way – and that as an individual I can help make an impact in someone’s life just really appealed to me.”
Of course, as with any voluntary role, there can be challenges with juggling employment. Philip Wallace, 34, Mid Wales Bench, says: “My employer is very supportive, but not all are as understanding – especially if we’re asked to sit at short notice. While I don’t have any childcare commitments, I can imagine that might weigh on your mind if an afternoon hearing drags on and you need to pick the kids up from school.”
Harry agrees: “Being a magistrate graduating from university put me in a bizarre position where my priorities for a job included making sure that I would be supported in my sittings, rather than challenged as I know a lot of magistrates are.”
Are young magistrates ever treated differently to their older colleagues? Jessica says: “Not in a negative sense; I’ve had questions from other magistrates and legal advisers about what made me want to apply, and whether I found it difficult whilst still working and raising a family. I think people find it interesting that more and more younger people are applying and how we make it work alongside other commitments.”
Harry says: “Often, that special treatment is instead an appreciation of volunteering to be a magistrate at an age where people are focusing on starting the rest of their lives, with remarks that there should be more young people supported to take on important voluntary roles that underpin our community.”
Asked if they have any advice for young people who might consider being a magistrate, Philip says: “If you’re interested in volunteering I would absolutely encourage you to do so, regardless of your age. The first step would be to do as much research as possible on the role, ideally speaking to a current or former magistrate if you can, and going to observe some hearings if you’re able to before starting the application process.”
Harry says: “Attend your local courthouse and observe a court. Ensure that justice is seen to be done and learn about the lives of ordinary people living in extraordinary circumstances. During one of the day’s lulls in activity, don’t be shy to catch the eye of the Chair, or the legal adviser or usher, who may provide that profound advice that makes you rush home and start preparing your application.”
Finally, Jack says: “Joining the MA, including being part of some of the great members’ webinars, has been really helpful in demystifying the process and making me feel welcome as a young person in the magistracy.”
If you’re interested in finding out more about the role of a magistrate and how to apply, click here.
