The judiciary of England and Wales and the Ministry of Justice are encouraging people from all walks of life and faiths to become magistrates. The campaign is part of efforts to make the magistracy better reflect the communities they serve and deliver justice to. 

Statistics on the diversity of the magistracy in England and Wales show that as of 1 April 2024, ethnic minority individuals together constituted 13% of all magistrates. This is a five-percentage point increase from 2014 when 8% declared themselves as from an ethnic minority. Although this is a step in the right direction, there is further to go to ensure that the magistracy is representative of all communities that it serves. This includes the Muslim community, which accounts for over 6% of the British population. 

 Khadija, a 28-year-old doctor, has been a magistrate in a criminal court for five years. Speaking to Muslim Women’s Network UK, she discusses how she became a magistrate and encourages others to volunteer too.

How did you come across the role of magistrate?

While I was a medical student, I had the opportunity to shadow a Psychiatric Liaison Nurse based in a police station. While in court, I was interested in the people making decisions on an individual's liberty. When I found out that these people were magistrates and they were regular people, I wanted to be one.

I grew up in a single-parent household as a first-generation Asian Muslim in East London. I am also a doctor and feel I have different experiences to many. I know that people can make irrational decisions that they do not realise can change their entire lives - I want to be part of the decision-making regarding their futures when this happens.

What do you find most fulfilling about being a magistrate?

For me, one of the most rewarding elements is ensuring we give the most appropriate sentence and provide support and rehabilitation for defendants. We do this by reviewing probation reports. We see the upbringing, environment and circumstances of a defendant that drove them to commit an offence and appear in court – or not, if we find the individual not guilty in a trial.

You have been a magistrate for 5 years; can you describe what the role involves?

Magistrates often work in benches with other magistrates, allowing them to discuss cases, share perspectives, and arrive at a consensus. This collaborative approach not only supports fair decision-making but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. If you are interested in helping others within your community, I would urge you to apply.

Why do you think it is important to encourage people to become magistrates?

I always encourage those around me to apply to become magistrates. My friends and colleagues often feel that magistrates are always a certain class, age, and gender, but then I tell them that the only way to change this stereotype is by applying for the role. Everyone has a unique background, and this is invaluable when making decisions as important as someone's liberty. 

Khadija’s story demonstrates that you do not need to have a legal background to become a magistrate. This role is open to all who are passionate about ensuring the judicial decisions are fair and inclusive. See below for further information on role and benefits of volunteering as a magistrate.

What is a magistrate?

Magistrates are unpaid volunteers, who require no previous legal qualifications or experience, and come from all walks of life. They make vital decisions on a variety of cases in the criminal court and family courts, helping to protect, enhance and transform people’s lives.

Magistrates are given training over the first two years, which consist of 10 days of hybrid online and face-to-face sessions. After this, the magistrate will have 1 to 2 training days every year.

Anyone between the ages of 18 and 74* who can commit to at least 13 days a year, alongside training sessions, for a minimum of five years can volunteer as a magistrate. Whether you are a shop assistant, teacher or student, a construction worker or stay at home parent, you can apply.

What are the benefits of volunteering as a magistrate?

There are many benefits to becoming a magistrate, which includes developing new skills and abilities that the individual can transfer and utilise both in their personal and professional lives. Magistrates typically develop highly transferrable skills such as critical analysis, complex problem-solving, mediation, influencing and decision-making.

Additionally, the role gives people a chance to help create positive change in their community. For instance, where there is the opportunity to do so, family magistrates will encourage and facilitate parents who are not living together to reach amicable arrangements for caring for their children without the court requiring intervention.

Finally, volunteers will become part of a network of other magistrates within their community.

Anyone looking to apply to volunteer as a magistrate or register their interest should visit icanbeamagistrate.co.uk for more information.

* Please note, that the mandatory retirement age for magistrates is 75, and that magistrates are expected to sit for a minimum of five years. It may take 12 to 18 months for your application to reach appointment. If you are close to the mandatory retirement age, please consider this before applying. Please note also there are mandatory training days for magistrates on top of the 13-day minimum sittings.