Blog

October marks Black History Month. It is a month of learning and celebration, honouring the contributions and achievements of black people throughout history and today. This year’s theme is ‘reclaiming narratives’, with an emphasis on shaping how black people’s stories are told. Magistrates, O’Neill and Yvonne, share their views on the importance of diversity in the judiciary and what inspired them to become magistrates.

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.

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.