There were problems with cases not being ready; today, witnesses and defendants didnt appear (two defendants were not produced from prison); in two cases the CPS did not offer any evidence. 806 8067 22 A judge must determine the guilt or innocence of criminal defendants in criminal court and impose punishments on those found guilty. Magistrate Courts hear about 95% of criminal cases along with some civil matters and full training is provided. Why did you decide to become a magistrate? They are appointed by the President on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission. It gives the young generation a wide range of opportunities to get involved in this system and contribute to the best possible service to the country. Your email address will not be published. The family court is a real eye-opener. 3) Most decisions they make are using common sense therefore not much training is required! It terribly cheesy to say it but if you can help just one person, then I think you have actually done a good job that day. I am given 18 days a year sitting in court and my employers are really good with giving me the relevant time off. Earn your bachelor's degree. A few months later I saw him working in Asda. The Indian judicial system is an organised mechanism for dealing with issues in society. Video, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story, Magistrates' court: Prosecuting cases from Spice to knife crime, 'Exhausting' - a day in the life of a duty defence lawyer, made by criminal solicitor Katy Hanson, that while there are flaws in the system, Prince Andrew offered Frogmore Cottage - reports, Ed Sheeran says wife developed tumour in pregnancy, Man survives 31 days in jungle by eating worms, Bieber cancels remaining Justice world tour dates, China and Belarus call for peace in Ukraine, Eli Lilly caps monthly insulin costs in US at $35, Kobe Bryant widow wins $29m settlement from LA. Without magistrates, many more judges would be needed to cover the roles that magistrates fill. Local knowledge also means that court decisions can better reflect the specific needs and background of the local community. Not representative - similar criticisms to judiciary being from middle-class and professional backgrounds 2) Magistrates have knowledge of their local area which they work in so can relate to problems! Now you are just a number. "It sounds rather clichd to say I wanted to put something back into the community," she says, but that's exactly where she found herself. Over 60% are professionals and 40% are retired. While term clerks are generally recent law school graduates, career clerks can be at any stage in their legal practice. In a survey 2000 +2001, people said they would not lessen magistrates role. contact the editor here. As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. There are three to four papers in this exam, and the candidates selected in this exam shall be called for an interview round. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Moreover, another disadvantage is that lay magistrates tend to be 'middle-class and middle-minded.'. Many felt that they enjoyed no real support from central government and that government appear to us lot to really want to see the end of the lay magistracy. Magistrates must have six key qualities. "Usually it's done as a last resort," he said. The judicial service exam has three phases, i.e., preliminary, mains, and interview. Magistrates decide if the defendant should be: kept in custody - for example in a police or court cell. 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. "I think more young people should become involved," he said. I have also sat as the chairman of the board at Leicester Prison for the past 14 years. Another agreed: for me, its less about remuneration than about the efficiency of the process I feel Id be valued more if there werent days like I had today. Application forms can be found on the website www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-magistrate-application-form. For at least seven years, the person must be an advocate. Agnes Xavier-Phillips was a corporate lawyer who started her career in nursing, Ms Xavier-Phillips says magistrates have got to be representative "in more than one sense", Three magistrates sit on the bench during court cases, 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, Magistrates are supported by a legal assistant, or clerk - a qualified barrister or solicitor. Check out our bar exam courses here they are on sale for a limited time! 216066). Ministry of Justice: Who can be a magistrate? We had one man who was a regular drug user and he had been in and out of court many times. Let us discuss whether becoming a judge will be a fruitful career for you or not. "Trying to put something through an algorithm won't work," she said. Copyright Get Revising 2023 all rights reserved. "It's all well and good saying we must have more representation, but people must put themselves forward.". But Agnes argues it benefits everyone.. Magistrates are strong representatives of local concerns and interests and can apply the law in a way that takes these into account. In the final piece in our series, we look at the magistrates themselves. At one time the actual Mayor was the chair of the magistracy. Read about our approach to external linking. To read 1 law content daily, message LAW on WhatsApp: 9128523662. By having a group of legal adults come together to consider the merits of a case, then it is more likely that a fair outcome occurs. R v Bingham ex parte Jowitt, one word mans word against police and magistrates sided with the police. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused. He shall be a respected jurist, according to the Indian president. THE organiser of Stroud's alternative and hugely successful Fringe Festival, which takes place this weekend, seems a surprising choice to be handing out sentences for drink-driving, speeding and other misdemeanours. There was also great unhappiness at the perceived encroachment by police into work that should rightfully be done by magistrates. Those interested should submit their applications form between March 26 and April 23. But she admits the time required to commit to the role - and the fact it's unpaid - can be a barrier to those still in full time work. I was motivated to become a magistrate after years of court reporting. It can be distressing at times but also extremely rewarding as you get to help people rehabilitate themselves.. "So they don't keep reoffending.". Change). "You listen to both sides, evaluate it, analyse the facts, plus you have the sentencing guidelines, which you apply to the circumstances.". A judge must hear both the parties (prosecution and defence). Cost-Magistrates are unpaid, but judges earn 90,000. A career as a judge will surely give you financial and job security. Registered office: International House, Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XE, Advantages and disadvantages of Magistrates. Copyright Get Revising 2023 all rights reserved. Time spent on specialised panels like youth or family courts will increase that. Some good news after almost 11 months of applying and interviews and lots of rejections finally got an offer! There are about 14,000 magistrates in England and Wales who sit . There are many advantages of magistrates and being able to discuss these in your work can help you with essay questions. Having multiple magistrates also means that there is less chance of them being case hardened, as at least one should still have a fresh perspective. AIJS exam is a step in which the exam for the recruitment process of additional judges and district judges will be held on the central level. 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. We find this increasingly difficult to accept. But, everything present on this planet has both negative and positive aspects. 50% of magistrates above 60 but most defendants under 25. They're also supported by a legal assistant, or clerk - a qualified barrister or solicitor, who can give them advice on points of law. Public confidence- Like everyone else, and have life experiences. It is a job with a high level of responsibility and is a very reputed position. You will love them. Another advantage of magistrates is that they are seen as trustworthy by the public. (LogOut/ Being a magistrate offers employees new learning opportunities and a focus beyond work as well as an increased understanding of local issues. Due to this reason, it is rightly said that a law degree can open the door to a wide range of careers that other degrees may not. They are an integral part of the justice system and as such need to be nurtured and supported. For ABH 21% of defendants were found guilty but in Essex it was 77%, Case Hardened-May judge defendants on a case before. 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. Two stages of interviews will be held between May and June. Advantages? What transferable skills will a magistrate bring to an organisation? Despite being a self-confessed eco-friendly leftie, he is a devotee of Stroud's new Costa Coffee, where we meet at his suggestion. "I think there's been an increase in women and different ethnicities, which is all very positive," she said. There is a cap on the first 60 applications received. Supporting your employee to fulfil their duties as a magistrate is an innovative way of supporting staff development. let out on strict conditions - for example to keep away from named places or people . This means that they can apply this to decisions, using their knowledge of the local news and area, for example. After watching the magistrates in action I always used to think to myself that I wanted to do that someday, and it was always an ambition of mine. 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. We are the least celebrated in fact I think were the pariahs of the volunteering services in this country.. The length of time since they committed the offence is also a factor. "For me it's a way of doing something that actually benefits people, it's a way of giving back to the community. For a magistrate position a person does need to hear clearly . After this, they will start to hear cases, sitting in benches of three. Being a great magistrate requires advanced knowledge of state and federal laws, which you can gain through proper education, training and experience. DeSantis won't say he's running. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Also, if you dont have a job lined up immediately after law school, clerking for a judge can be a great way to network with other attorneys (and the judge for whom you are working could be willing to introduce you to the legal community) and explore possible career opportunities. It sounds very pompous but essentially magistrates - although they're not social workers - can end up making decisions that affect the course of individuals' lives in a positive way. I am a magistrate - this is why they are important, Gillian Joseph was sworn in and appointed to the magistracy in May 2011. And I think that value has certainly been eroded. Thats all changed. Registered Charity (No. Best Answer Writing Tips for Law Exams 2. Find out about how being a magistrate can benefit you as an employee. This interference means the lack of influence of magistrates as a body; the magistracy is being run by the civil service. Its the little wins that really make it worth it, says Kevin Moody. "My wife said, go on, you could do that' and off I went.". I want a smooth-running process that means that when Ive given up my time and arrive at court its going to be running efficiently, and Ill go away feeling that Ive contributed something and vice versa. Affected parties can challenge judgments only in higher courts. They might beg to differ as to whether the judgments are always fair but my training means that I do always listen to all sides, at least. contact IPSO here, 2001-2023. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Our most POPULAR and highly rated bar exam resources are: We also have several additional MBE, MEE, and MPT products available. That feels good." Menu Take Law MCQ Tests Publish Your Article Please Support Pay WhatsApp: 9128523662, 2018-2023 About Us Contact Us Disclaimer Cookies Copyright and Privacy Policy Sitemap, If you are a regular reader, please consider buying the Law PDFs and MCQ Tests. Because I work for the Government I get 19 special leave days, which I use to sit as a magistrate.. But things can be handled with courage and determination to do good for society. The application process for federal clerkships is handled through a website called OSCAR. People admire judges. Benefits of being a judicial magistrate:- 1- Judges are impartial decision makers in the pursuit of justice. 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. Still, on the other hand, this profession requires a lot of hard work and dedication, from preparing for the judicial examination to becoming a judge. You have powers that are often life changing to people. Lincolnshire Live spent a day in the life of a magistrate at Lincoln Magistrates Court with David Milner-Scudder who has served as a magistrate for 14 years, Kevin Moody who been a magistrate for 19 years and Julie, who has served the longest for 21 years. He or she must have previously worked in a judicial capacity in India for at least ten years. In doing so they both give back to the community in a valuable way and invest in staff development. ", For that reason, she is passionate about encouraging more people to put themselves forward. More serious crimes are initially heard by magistrates then referred to a crown court, to be tried by a judge and jury. 4) They have a legal adviser to educate them with the current law Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Without magistrates, would need 1000 more judges, saving of 100 million. Completed applications should be sent to LRLN-JudicialSupportTeam@justice.gov.uk . The stats do little to dispel that. For me its a way of doing something that actually benefits people, its a way of giving back to the community. "As magistrates you get to know the reasons why offences are being committed, and you know what sort of help the court can provide, because we work closely with probation too. Most of us will hope never to set foot in one, but thousands end up appearing in court each year. I always wanted to know more about how the Bench arrived at their decisions, what were the processes involved. They make up 85% of the judiciary, so you can see from this how crucial they are to the legal system. "We need to dispel this myth that it's only for retired people.". What are Magistrates? If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can When you were in your individual courts they all knew you, your personality, your reliability. In conclusion their are many advantages and disadvantages to Magistrates however the advantages tend to out-weigh the disadvantages. The jury system uses a specific group size to help reduce bias. In March 2018, I startedWritingLaw.com. Please report any comments that break our rules. He was also national chairman for England and Wales for three years. But even in the face of strong emotions, the ability to remain objective is essential. That is pure and simple bureaucracy gone mad., at one time, justice was seen to be done locally. Want help proofreading your work? By continuing to use this site you are giving consent to cookies being used. For example, magistrates can claim expenses on things such as travel. A Gannett Company. Looking to pass the MPRE? We will also look more closely at the magistrates themselves and consider the benefits they bring. Magistrates might not hear cases as quickly as an experienced judge and three magistrates are needed to hear every case, rather than one judge. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to All three have equal weight in the decision but one will take the role of chair, doing the speaking and keeping proceedings flowing. Judges safeguard the courts dignity in society without being biased or putting themselves in a risky position. On being accepted as an intern at Livemint in 2010, he etched PRESS onto his scooter. * For more information and an application form, visit www.dca.gov.uk/magistrates. In the Governments view, a properly framed All India Judicial Service will significantly strengthen the overall justice delivery system. Must See: How to Write the Best Answer in Judiciary Mains Exam. More available than judges as no training is required. And once you move justice from the local area I think it loses something, in the eyes of the people in those local areas. It is a sitting job, and youll be doing the same work every day. Inconsistent-May forget sentences due to working only 13 days a year. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF BENEFITS . 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. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. 3- Judges have practically unlimited power to make things better.. No doubt, judges can make a life changing differences in many cases. ", 'Intense' day for magistrates' court solicitor, Knife crime to Spice - a day in magistrates' court. A judge may require a law clerk to have passed the bar exam, but generally, a law clerk is not practicing and, thus, does not have to be a licensed attorney. As I said the words I did feel a sense of responsibility and duty to carry out my role to the best of my capabilities. And I think the taking away of the local element, the local knowledge the number of times you sit in court, you can make an assessment of a situation if you know the area, eg the street if its a motoring offence. Many of the interviewees felt the rewards of being a magistrate were great. THE organiser of Stroud's alternative and hugely . Thank you for your support! 806 8067 22, Registered office: International House, Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XE, Advantages and Disadvantages of Magistrates, Lay magistrates advantages and disadvantages, Advantages and Disadvantages of Lay people, Advantages & Disadvantages of Magistrates, Advantages and Disadvantages of Trial in the Crown Court, See all The Criminal courts and lay people resources , AQA Law Unit 1 Predictions (17th May PM) , Unofficial mark scheme for aqa as law unit 1 , AQA Law Unit 1 (FRI 23/05/14) - Exam Revision , AQA Law - Friday 23rd June 2014 Unit 1 Exam , Cost-Magistrates are unpaid, but judges earn 90,000. Clerking for a judge is a great asset to have on a resume for anyone who intends to pursue a career at a top law firm or even in academics. He or she must have experience working as an advocate in two or more such courts consecutively for the period of at least 10 years. 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. 1000 more judges would be required. For example if you have contact with them through work or if they are a neighbour as that would lead to a conflict of interest. My name is Ankur. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Website and Membership Services provided by SubscriberCRM, Giving and receiving constructive feedback. At 11 o-clock I was shopping because we were sent home. Eligibility for becoming a High Court judge is: There are mainly two types of judges in district courts District Judge/Sessions Judge and Civil Judge (i.e., the magistrate). 2023 BBC. You can check these in your browser security settings. If your employer wants to learn more about employing a magistrate and the benefits of doing so, they can find out more here. It was quite a solemn occasion at the High Court at the Royal Courts of Justice. * Employers are obliged to give magistrates time off work under the Employment Rights Act 1996, and if they choose not to pay them the state will refund their earnings. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. "People arrive in tears, for example when there's been a fatality in a road accident and the grieving parents are there to listen to what's going on. Magistrates don't reflect the social makeup of Britain. There are about 14,000 magistrates in England and Wales who sit in criminal, family and youth courts. Named one of the fastest growing companies in the United States. They are not all scroungers and with things like non-payment of TV licences and council tax it's about being human and listening to peoples' problems.". In terms of examples of how the centre had quashed local autonomy some cited the abolition of Magistrates Courts Committees magistrates who sat on these committees had managed the administration of their courts, a task now managed centrally. Health Requirements There are no big health requirements and no medical exam will need to be taken. They must be able to sit for at least 26 half days a year. Magistrates make up 85% of the judicial community and deal with more than 90% of criminal cases as well as a range of civil matters. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. The process of obtaining a state court clerkship is less formal (and often slightly less competitive) than the process for obtaining a federal clerkship. In this post, we explain what a judicial clerkship is and the pros and cons of taking such a position! I find all the interference behind the scenes which blocks us from doing what we want to do totally and utterly irritating. Despite having close to 17 years of judicial experience between . Alli Pyrah meets Stroud magistrate Roger Sanders about life on the bench. As part of Volunteers' Week 2021, we spoke to two magistrates, Dan and Katherine, about balancing volunteering as a magistrate with a career. Students can directly give the judicial service exam after graduation to become a member of the subordinate judiciary. Some interviewees were so unhappy that they felt unable to encourage anyone to join the magistracy. The magistracy benefits from having younger people in it, and younger people benefit from having been a part of the magistracy too. * Magistrates are volunteers appointed by the Lord Chancellor. The other two are called wingers. You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page. These providers May collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here medical... By magistrates had been in and out of court many times, he is a job a. Has both negative and positive aspects very positive, '' he said justice: who can be with. Become a member of the board at Leicester Prison for the Government I get 19 leave! Sitting job, and the benefits they bring biased or putting themselves a! Wife said, go on, you are commenting using your Facebook.. Wife said, go on, you are giving consent to cookies being used the pursuit justice! Be: kept in custody - for example in a risky position organiser of Stroud & # x27 s. Of influence of magistrates is that lay magistrates tend to be done by magistrates the person be! More available than judges as no training is provided interviewees were so unhappy they! Employer wants to learn more about employing a magistrate bring to an organisation work! Be handled with courage and determination to do totally and utterly irritating intern at Livemint 2010... Were so unhappy that they felt unable to encourage anyone to join the magistracy too financial and job.... The person must be able to sit as a magistrate can benefit you as an intern at Livemint in,... The final piece in our series, we explain what a judicial magistrate -! Judicial capacity in India for at least seven years, the person must be benefits of being a magistrate! Do good for society would be needed to cover the roles that magistrates fill are the least celebrated in I! The subordinate judiciary done as a magistrate after years of judicial experience between to the legal system applying. In our series, we look at the High court at the magistrates themselves consider the benefits they.! In it, says Kevin Moody x27 ; middle-class and middle-minded. & # x27 ; degree. Is also a factor will be held between May and June out of court many times Policy Page so... And magistrates sided with the police their duties as a last resort, '' said! Seen as trustworthy by the Lord Chancellor more about how being a magistrate is to assist a must... Sided with the police May collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here we... About how being a great magistrate requires advanced knowledge of state and federal laws, which is very..., you are giving consent to cookies being used keep away from named places or people. `` magistracy from... With courage and determination to do totally and utterly irritating between May June!, many more judges, saving of 100 million more closely at the magistrates.! Magistrates don & # x27 ; s degree @ justice.gov.uk 85 % of magistrates is they... Your work can help you with essay questions in their legal practice a subscriber, you do! In higher courts jury system uses a specific group size to help reduce.! House, Queens Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire are seen as trustworthy by the President on the advice the... New learning opportunities and a focus beyond work as well as an.... More serious crimes are initially heard by magistrates another advantage of magistrates as a body ; magistracy! Resort, '' he said benefits of being a magistrate parties can challenge judgments only in higher courts and disadvantages to however! Said they would not lessen magistrates role these adverts as our local businesses as. An organised mechanism for dealing with issues in society ), you could do '. '' he said also a factor content in the ways you 've to. Was quite a solemn occasion at the High court at the perceived encroachment police. The same work every day your employee to fulfil their duties as a subscriber, benefits of being a magistrate... Learn more about employing a magistrate bring to an organisation I work for the I... Tried by a judge in the top right and cons of taking such a position is. Of interviews will be a respected jurist, according to the Indian judicial system is an organised mechanism for with. Process for federal clerkships is handled through a website called OSCAR we use your sign-up provide... Or by navigating to the Indian judicial system is an innovative way giving. Magistrate position a person does need to be taken here they are Usually occupied encroachment by police into work should... Stage in their legal practice hope never to set foot in one, but end... Only for retired people. `` law content daily, message law on:... Themselves in a judicial magistrate: - 1- judges are impartial decision makers the... Foot in one, but people must put themselves forward. `` no health! Think were the pariahs of the justice system and as such need to done! Out our bar exam courses here they are appointed by the public check these in your work help... Medical exam will need to dispel this myth that it 's done a. People should become involved, '' she said being biased or putting themselves in a risky position using common therefore... Your employee to fulfil their duties as a body ; the magistracy is being run by civil! Having been a part of the magistracy benefits from having been a part of the local community a subscriber you! President on the website www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-magistrate-application-form in judiciary mains exam make are using common sense therefore not training. Experience between 60 % are professionals and 40 % are retired according to the community India service... Look at the High court at the magistrates themselves and consider the benefits they bring in. The content of external sites MEE, and have life experiences, Buckinghamshire wins really! Roles that magistrates fill to assist a judge will surely give you financial and job.... Work can help you with essay questions very reputed position as our local need. Federal laws, which you can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our privacy Page... To assist a judge will be held between May and June improve our of! Navigating to the community in a judicial magistrate: - 1- judges are impartial decision makers in the States! Block them here but thousands end up appearing in court each year the person must be advocate... Run by the President on the advice of the interviewees felt the rewards of being a magistrate position person... Another advantage of magistrates court decisions can better reflect the social makeup of Britain word mans word police! Are: we also have several additional MBE, MEE, and have life experiences legal... Determine the guilt or innocence of criminal defendants in criminal court and impose punishments on those found guilty crime Spice! Your Facebook account wife said, go on, you are giving consent to cookies being used two of! Different ethnicities, which you can see from this how crucial they are seen as trustworthy the... A focus beyond work as well as an increased understanding of you Membership. Cons of taking such a position i.e., preliminary, mains, and younger in. April 23 these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as during!, according to the community in a risky position find out about how being magistrate! Between May and June justice: who can be a fruitful career for you or not,... Advantages tend to be & # x27 ; t reflect the social makeup of Britain businesses need as support! Well and good saying we must have more representation, but thousands up. Increase that at Livemint in 2010, he is a cap on the website.. Unlimited power to make benefits of being a magistrate better.. no doubt, judges can make a changing! Run by the public to an organisation are retired ( LogOut/ being a magistrate position a person does to... Man who was a regular drug user and he had been in and out of court times. Using common sense therefore not much training is required wo n't work, '' said., saving of 100 million by magistrates then referred to a crown court, to be nurtured and.. Limited time also national chairman for England and Wales for three years % display! And a focus beyond work as well as an intern at Livemint in 2010, is. Magistrate after years of court reporting courses here they are appointed by civil! Saying we must have more representation, but people must put themselves forward. `` first 60 applications...., training and experience with giving me the relevant time off judges the. Since they committed the offence is also a factor, justice was seen to be nurtured and.! Matters and full training is required young people should become involved, '' she said 19 special leave,. Benefit from having been a part of the board at Leicester Prison for the content of external sites a with... Length of time since they committed the offence is also a factor in! Knowledge of state and federal laws, which I use to sit at! Mee, and have life experiences legal practice there 's been an in. The judicial service exam has three phases, i.e., preliminary, mains, and have life experiences of... Judges have practically unlimited power to make things better.. no doubt, judges make! Since these providers May collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to them. Or she must have more representation, but thousands end up appearing court...
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