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.
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. Criminal and family courts handle different types of cases, and work with different groups of people. Magistrates in both courts require similar skills, character, and sound judgement, but the interests and motivations that might lead you to each could differ.
Choose your court
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 would like to volunteer as a magistrate, find out everything you will need to know to decide if it’s the right opportunity for you, and to make your application.