Applying to become a Magistrate

Magistrates are members of the local community appointed by the Lord Chancellor.

No formal qualifications are required but magistrates need intelligence, common sense, integrity and the capacity to act fairly. Membership should be widely spread throughout the area covered and drawn from all walks of life.

All magistrates are carefully trained before sitting and continue to receive training throughout their service.

Magistrates are unpaid volunteers but they may receive allowances to cover travelling expenses and subsistence.

If you would like to find out more about being a magistrate see Juggling Work with Judicial Duties for some real life case studies.

If you are considering becoming a magistrate we recommend you visit the Directgov website which has plenty of information and an application form. If selected you will have to sign a Declaration and Understanding form. Please be advised that recruitment is currently limited so it is best to check what the situation is in the local justice area before applying. To find your local court go to the Justice Court Finder.

If you want to know more about how to broach the matter with your employer see The Business Case for Being a Magistrate Employee.

Hard copies and copies in Braille can be obtained from:

The Magistrates Appointments Team
Ministry of Justice
Magistrates Recruitment and Appointments Branch
Room 3.34, 3rd Floor
102 Petty France
London SW1H 9AJ

You can also obtain an application pack through their website www.direct.gov.uk/magistrates

Click on the links below to view some videos about becoming a magistrate.

• Video: becoming a magistrate - who can be a magistrate?
• Video: becoming a magistrate - what magistates do
• Video: becoming a magistrate - the qualities you need
• Video: becoming a magistrate - how you can benefit