The government has set a target of 21,000 magistrates in place by 2028–29—the number had fallen to 12,500 in 2022. Magistrates hear about 95% of all criminal cases. The role is unpaid, although a standard rate of loss of earnings allowances and expenses can be claimed, and takes up a minimum of 13 days per year.
Launching the campaign, ‘You’ve got the makings of a magistrate’, at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court last week, justice minister Sarah Sackman said: ‘This is about local people delivering local justice. From criminal to family matters, it hands real power and real trust to local people, so that justice is decided by the community it serves.’
Catherine Feast, chief executive of the Magistrates’ Association, said: ‘A good magistrate is a team player, a problem-solver, a good listener, and shows good judgement and empathy in court. These are qualities that many people have.’
