Watch: Volunteering as a magistrate
Hear firsthand what it’s like to serve as a magistrate, learn new skills and make fair decisions in court that help shape your community while balancing the role alongside work and everyday life (duration: 2 min 34 sec).
At a glance
Can anyone volunteer as a magistrate?
You do not need any special qualifications or previous experience to become a magistrate. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. A diverse bench helps ensure magistrates reflect the communities they serve. If you’re aged 18 to 74*, have the ability to listen and consider different viewpoints, and a commitment to serving your community, you can be a magistrate. Develop new skills, gain valuable experience and make a real difference in the local justice system.
*The mandatory retirement age for magistrates is 75. Magistrates are expected to sit for a minimum of 5 years. If you are close to the mandatory retirement age, please consider this before applying.
What would I do?
Magistrates are volunteers who come from all walks of life. They make vital decisions on a variety of cases in the criminal court and family court – helping to protect, enhance and transform people’s lives.
Inside our courts
What about me, as an employer?
Your employee will need to volunteer for at least 13 days a year plus annual training. There are a few options as to how this can work, and the benefits to your organisation can be huge. Check out our information for employers to learn more.
Employer adviceI’m interested – what’s next?
If you’d like to volunteer as a magistrate, here’s everything you’ll need to know to decide if it’s the right opportunity for you, and to make your application.