Category: Family court

Magistrates play a pivotal role in the justice system, volunteering their time to make decisions on a range of cases in criminal and family courts. As a magistrate, you can help ensure the justice system is fair and accessible to all, while gaining valuable, transferrable skills.  

In celebration of International Day for Families we spoke with Mark, a train driver, about his experience sitting as a family court magistrate. Having had a challenging childhood, as an adult, Mark always sought out opportunities where he could make a positive impact on children and young people.

Did you know that magistrates can sit in the either a family or criminal court? There is also the option to sit across both courts, like Hayley, who has been a magistrate for 18 years. Read on to learn about Hayley's experience.