News

Observed annually by Muslims worldwide, Ramadan represents a sacred period marked by fasting, prayer, and charitable acts. We spoke to three magistrates about what this period means to them and how it aligns with their role as a magistrate.

To mark Women’s History Month, we spoke to female magistrates about gender diversity in the judiciary, pivotal career moments and advice to those seeking to become a magistrate.

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.

Interested in becoming a magistrate, but need guidance? Here is everything you need to know about the application process and what comes next.

Make volunteering as a magistrate your New Year’s resolution. The fascinating element of the courts, gaining new skills and seeing your decisions making an impact is all part of what makes the magistracy so great. If you're new to volunteering and always wondered what it was like to volunteer as a magistrate, here’s your go-to guide for what you should know. 

This International Volunteers Day, we invited Trustee of the Magistrates’ Association, Sarah, to reflect on her time as a magistrate.

As we celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we share the story of Sarah who has been a magistrate for almost 20 years. Sarah felt her visual impairment would get in the way of her becoming a magistrate. But when she finally applied, she quickly realised how the process was catered to her needs and helped her succeed in the role. Sarah shares her inspiring story in her own words.

Lauren works for His Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) and became a magistrate in October 2023. She is a young magistrate sitting in the adult criminal court.

Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs and we asked some magistrates what this celebration means to them. They also reflected on how being a magistrate aligns with the teachings of Diwali.

Pauline is a Community Services Matron from Leicester and has been a magistrate for more than 10 years. She joined the bench as she believed that there needed to be better representation for people from ethnic minorities, and as a black woman she wanted to help with that change. We spoke to Pauline about her experiences as a magistrate.