Judges preside over criminal, civil and constitutional matters in the High Courts, Supreme Court of Appeal and the Constitutional Court. Agnes first moved to Wales in 1986 and describes herself as a "British Malaysian Indian". The opinion that magistrates are under qualified and a stereotype is inconsequential compared to all of the advantages. Get Revising is one of the trading names of The Student Room Group Ltd. Register Number: 04666380 (England and Wales), VAT No. I would encourage anyone to investigate the prospect of a life on the bench, it is both enlightening and rewarding. I asked him if he wanted to show us something, and he brought forward this piece of paper which showed he had his first negative drug test and he was so proud of it. The person must pass the test administered by the judicial service. 806 8067 22, Registered office: International House, Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XE, Advantages and Disadvantages of Magistrates, Lay magistrates advantages and disadvantages, Advantages and Disadvantages of Lay people, Advantages & Disadvantages of Magistrates, Advantages and Disadvantages of Trial in the Crown Court, See all The Criminal courts and lay people resources , AQA Law Unit 1 Predictions (17th May PM) , Unofficial mark scheme for aqa as law unit 1 , AQA Law Unit 1 (FRI 23/05/14) - Exam Revision , AQA Law - Friday 23rd June 2014 Unit 1 Exam , Cost-Magistrates are unpaid, but judges earn 90,000. Nor will you have the opportunity to sign your own name to anything that you prepare. * Magistrates receive up to two years on-the-job training, which is topped up throughout their service. Editors' Code of Practice. Sky News presenter Gillian Joseph is a court magistrate. Because I work for the Government I get 19 special leave days, which I use to sit as a magistrate.. DeSantis won't say he's running. Most judges have at least one attorney on their staff who helps the judge conduct legal research, prepare for hearings and trials and draft written opinions. 49%are women. Supporting your employee to fulfil their duties as a magistrate is an innovative way of supporting staff development. 1000 more judges would be required. I had enough money not to work anymore but I still wanted to give something back to the community and I had always had an interest in the law. Read about our approach to external linking. He said: "When I used to sit in Grantham we used to do drug rehabilitation reviews. We had one man who was a regular drug user and he had been in and out of court many times. Paul v DPP- kerb crawling. The amount of time an employee is permitted to take and the circumstances in which this time is taken must be considered by the employer to be reasonable with regard to. All levels of federal judges have law clerks: District Court judges (and sometimes even magistrates), Circuit Court judges, and Supreme Court justices. In the Governments view, a properly framed All India Judicial Service will significantly strengthen the overall justice delivery system. Across England and Wales around 1.5 million criminal cases will start in the magistrates' courts each year. This was particularly heartfelt in the Welsh focus group, what you have is a civil service approach, imposed from Englandin an office in London looking at a map saying why on Earth are there loads of courts next to each other? No understanding whatsoever of the topographic, the tribal differences between those valleys and communities or the difficulty in getting from one of those areas to the next because they are valleys areas. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. "If magistrates are meant to represent and understand the community, they've got to be representative in more than one sense. Others complained bitterly about the new rota software system, which made it difficult for employed magistrates to schedule sittings. Magistrates must have six key qualities. In contrast, an executive magistrate can take matters related to public peace, maintaining law and order, etc. Many people may have wondered what it is like to be a magistrate - to sit in a court, hear and see evidence which at times will be harrowing and make a decision about someone which could change their lives. Something went wrong, please try again later. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. Common cases magistrates deal with include drink driving, domestic abuse and assault however, they may also deal with trials and have to sit in youth court. My family were in attendance and smiled proudly as I completed my lines. What's he waiting for? THE organiser of Stroud's alternative and hugely . The length of time since they committed the offence is also a factor. All of the research and writing involved in a clerkship is for the judges review and/or signature. There are two types of clerkships: term clerks and career clerks. "One of the satisfying things is you get the sense that the defendant feels that they've been dealt with fairly.That might mean they are going to prison and it might mean something else but they can feel that they've been given a fair hearing. Being a magistrate is a voluntary role, but you can claim expenses. 216066). Those who had sat for many years felt their relationship with the court service had declined considerably. However, they must have six key qualities: Good Character; Commitment and Reliability; Social Awareness; Sound Judgement; Understanding and Communication; and Maturity and Sound Temperament. When we make a decision, it's a structured decision.". "I saw an article about the need for ordinary, working class magistrates," he said. I had five trials, but it was shambolic, and only two were kind of done. This interference means the lack of influence of magistrates as a body; the magistracy is being run by the civil service. It is often highly regarded. Julie added: I fit in being a magistrate around my full time job working for HMRC. Ministry of Justice: Who can be a magistrate? The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. "Some people are caught in the social trap. The appointment of judges depends upon the vacancies available. contact the editor here. He hasn't been to journalism school, as evident by his refusal to end articles with 'ENDS' or 'EOM'. Cost-Magistrates are unpaid, but judges earn 90,000. The Best Part about the Uniform Bar Exam? Fewer than 5% identify as black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) - one of the lowest proportions compared to English regions, although in line with the Welsh population. As of April this year there were 1,059 magistrates in Wales. * Magistrates are volunteers appointed by the Lord Chancellor. They knew what they could get you to do and not to do. After this, they will start to hear cases, sitting in benches of three. In addition, magistrates are a relatively cheap option for the legal system compared to judges. You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page. In NYC small firm, ex big law folks, no billable hours, niche practice area, appearance of forwarded thinking firm, remote till who knows when, emphasis on pro bono initiatives and building book of business. "For me it's a way of doing something that actually benefits people, it's a way of giving back to the community. After leaving the police force I went into retail for around 10 years. That is pure and simple bureaucracy gone mad., at one time, justice was seen to be done locally. 2- Judges enjoys great honor in the society. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. We need 2 cookies to store this setting. Due to this reason, it is rightly said that a law degree can open the door to a wide range of careers that other degrees may not. As the UPSC exams are conducted for the whole country, in the same way, AIJS will be conducted for the judges on the central level. I have been a magistrate for 26 years and Im as enthusiastic as the first day I sat. Copyright Get Revising 2023 all rights reserved. The manager threatened the magistrate with a disciplinary process. There are many advantages of magistrates and being able to discuss these in your work can help you with essay questions. Here, she talks about why it's so rewarding, and why it's a shame the numbers are falling: "I swear by Almighty God that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth the Second, in the office of Justice of the Peace and I will do right to all manner of people after the laws and usages of the realm without fear or favour, affection or ill will. ", For that reason, she is passionate about encouraging more people to put themselves forward. There are many benefits to employers supporting their staff to be magistrates. Ironically, Roger's least favourite aspect of the job is sending people to jail. We will also look more closely at the magistrates themselves and consider the benefits they bring. Deciding whether a prison sentence or a Community Order is most appropriate can be the catalyst for someone turning their life around. "So they don't keep reoffending.". Candidates called for interviews are three times the number of vacancies available. You will love them. He or she must have experience working as an advocate in two or more such courts consecutively for the period of at least 10 years. State court judges and justices also hire law clerks. I was motivated to become a magistrate after years of court reporting. There are about 14,000 magistrates in England and Wales who sit . Many supportive employers allow magistrates leave for their public duties in addition to their normal holiday entitlement. Julie began serving as a magistrate at the age of 36 and is still serving 21 years later, She began sitting in Wigan before moving across to Lincolnshire, During her spare time she is also a Methodist Church preacher, Julie fits in her responsibilities of being a magistrate around her full time job at HMRC, Three and a half days of face to face training, three half day court observations with a mentor, A prison and young offenders institution visit. contact IPSO here, 2001-2023. Clerking provides a great opportunity to observe other lawyers in the courtroom setting and gain a lot of exposure to what does (and does not) work well from the perspective of the judge. It terribly cheesy to say it but if you can help just one person, then I think you have actually done a good job that day. Copyright Get Revising 2023 all rights reserved. Before we start thinking about the advantages of magistrates, we will first consider what they are and how the magistrates courts work. This helps to keep peoples faith in the legal system and makes it easier for it to run smoothly. N.C. The process is extremely formal, with specific start and end dates for the application process that are uniform for all judges. They are appointed by the President on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission. In March 2018, I startedWritingLaw.com. As mentioned above, magistrates do not need to already have legal knowledge or training. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF BENEFITS . Julie said that the hardest part for her is seeing people who are there who have lost everything: The thing I find hard is people who are in front of the court for no fault of their own. There are many benefits to employers supporting their staff to be magistrates. Many others are rapidly approaching the compulsory retirement age of 70 which the House of Commons Justice Committee says could leave significant gaps in the role, unless recruitment improves. But away from the court, magistrates are everyday people who give up their time to give something back to the community. Magistrates don't reflect the social makeup of Britain. A Gannett Company. 1000 more judges would be required. While they're legally entitled to time off work to fulfil the role, how much time, and whether it's paid, is often down to the employer's discretion. Many magistrates, particularly those who suffered financially through sitting, resented being treated like employees rather than volunteers. Must See: How to Write the Best Answer in Judiciary Mains Exam. While they are paid expenses and compensated for loss of earnings, magistrates attend court for a minimum of 26 half-day sessions a year. "Sometimes it's inevitable they go back into remand, but it's always very much based on the individual. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. One of the satisfying things is you get the sense that the defendant feels that theyve been dealt with fairly.That might mean they are going to prison and it might mean something else but they can feel that theyve been given a fair hearing. Completed applications should be sent to LRLN-JudicialSupportTeam@justice.gov.uk . Contact Carmine Proofreading for a friendly, professional service from a qualified proofreader. I would encourage anyone to investigate the prospect of a life on the bench, it is both enlightening and rewarding. 10 Legal Jobs and Career Options After Law. Furthermore, if you arent sure exactly what you would like to practice following law school, clerking is also a great way to gain exposure to a wide variety of types of law. Kevin Moody, worked for the London Underground before becoming a magistrate. 2023 BBC. R v Birmingham Magistrates ex parte Ahmed. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. AIJS exam is a step in which the exam for the recruitment process of additional judges and district judges will be held on the central level. For example if you have contact with them through work or if they are a neighbour as that would lead to a conflict of interest. It gives power, reputation, a chance to serve the nation, and various monetary and non-monetary benefits. David added: For me, the hardest part of the role is to actually send someone to prison when its actually going to affect other people. Above all magistrates felt undervalued. Application forms can be found on the website www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-magistrate-application-form. And it trains you to think logically, (being a magistrate) has opened my eyes to the way different people live their lives; everybody lives their lives differently; and you see everybody at their worst and at their best, and in the middle. One magistrate told the manager that he did not want to sit with a colleague, because they had fallen out. How to Study and Prepare for Judiciary Exam 3. Local Knowledge-Speeds up court proceedings. It gives the young generation a wide range of opportunities to get involved in this system and contribute to the best possible service to the country. They just give you a slot and stick you in there, it doesnt matter if you do the same court for umpteen weeks, as long as that slot is filled then their duty has been completed. Find out more about the role here and how to apply here. But Agnes argues it benefits everyone. At present magistrates must retire at 70 and the current recruitment drive is also hoping to improve the diversity of the bench. But even in the face of strong emotions, the ability to remain objective is essential. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. I always wanted to know more about how the Bench arrived at their decisions, what were the processes involved. You have powers that are often life changing to people. Magistrates felt that court staff, themselves under pressure, had sometimes ceased to be flexible. Registered Charity (No. Mains examination is a subjective paper. He shall be a respected jurist, according to the Indian president. Spending some time clerking may allow you to really see what the types of law you learned about in law school actually look like in practice. By continuing to use this site you are giving consent to cookies being used. The individual must be at least 35 years old (age differs from state to state). Some state appellate courts may even have staff attorneys whose job is to assist all of the judges, not just one particular judge. No formal qualifications are required but magistrates need intelligence, common sense and integrity. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Carmine Proofreading with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. But as Roger points out, shattering the stereotypes surrounding magistrates is perfectly consistent with judicial principles. This provides a more balanced view of the situation and should make things fairer for the defendant. But Roger Sanders, who also works as a gardener, has been dispensing down-to-earth justice since he became a magistrate 12 years ago. Public confidence- Like everyone else, and have life experiences. Other graduates may hold positions in the legislature and executive branch but not in the judiciary. Greek transport minister resigns after deadly train crash, At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece. 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