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AIBU?

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Original poster

Could you be a magistrate?

217 replies

Netcurtainnelly · 03/01/2026 15:03

There's a big volunteer recruitment drive for magistrates at the moment?
Does it interest you?

OP posts:
Newnameonthisthread · 04/01/2026 09:45

PixellatedPixie · 03/01/2026 16:48

I have very seriously considered this role as I am keen and have time to volunteer and I have a UK law degree. I didnt ever complete a training contract so I’m not a solicitor but I did very well in my degree and love law. I’m white but not British - (South African), under 45 and did not go to private school.

The only thing that has put me off is that I have wondered if it is dangerous and negative. I can cope with dealing with the darker elements of life but worry it’s a depressing job.

I’ve never once felt in danger as a crime magistrate for what it’s worth.

GCSEBiostruggles · 04/01/2026 09:45

I heard about this on Womans Hour last month. Logged in and no vacancies in the entire of Kent but a couple up near Manchester and Birmingham. They need to sort their website out.

Kendodd · 04/01/2026 09:45

InTheNotswolds · 03/01/2026 15:44

I wanted to some years ago but was told that my colour, accent and education ruled me out. Shame really.

Who told you that?
And what colour and accent is ruled out?

Newnameonthisthread · 04/01/2026 09:43

Itsmetheflamingo · 03/01/2026 22:22

Yes I would love to. But I have a job, so not yet

I do it alongside a full time, intense job. It’s very doable, and your employer has to give you time off.

Newnameonthisthread · 04/01/2026 09:38

AmberSpy · 03/01/2026 16:28

That's interesting - I thought magistrates had a legal adviser at all times, is there still significant preparation and research needed on top of that?

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I’m a crime magistrate. There absolutely no prep time required, very little small print and I’ve never had to refer back to law.

Ineffable23 · 04/01/2026 09:31

ResusciAnnie · 04/01/2026 00:03

FIL was one and he’s one of those awful self-appointed ‘pillar of the community’ types so on the basis that it attracts that sort of people, no I couldn’t face it!

But isn't this even more of a reason to do it? If you think the wrong sorts of people are in these roles, surely that makes it even more important to try and get a wider range of people to take these roles on?

IfIwasabluebird · 04/01/2026 08:47

kitt I wonder how UC would deal with it. Would a benefit recipient be penalised for earning less money on those days? I'm almost tempted to give it a go to give them a headache calculating it.

Squirrelchops1 · 04/01/2026 08:42

Onemorechristmas · 04/01/2026 07:40

Is it not really upsetting, sitting as a family magistrate? I imagine lots of badly treated children being removed from parents and put into care

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We don't sit on many public law cases, in fact hardly ever and I've never known magistrates do a final hearing of this sort, so no, it's not an issue. Care proceedings get pushed up to a Judge.

We sometimes sit on Special Guardianship applications but they're usually uncontested so parents are agreeing with the guardian looking after their child/ren.

What's more heartbreaking is parents who cannot put their own stuff aside to focus on the needs of their child. They can be so wrapped up in 'winning' over what is best for the child.

Itsmetheflamingo · 04/01/2026 08:33

Onemorechristmas · 04/01/2026 07:40

Is it not really upsetting, sitting as a family magistrate? I imagine lots of badly treated children being removed from parents and put into care

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But that’s an important job that someone has to do.

Simonjt · 04/01/2026 08:29

tsmainsqueeze · 03/01/2026 16:02

No i would not do it .
I have known 2 women - unconnected, who were magistrates and they were two of the vilest people you could ever meet and not that intelligent either , actually just thought of a 3rd nicer but not someone i would want judging me.
I think a certain type of 'self important ' people are attracted to this role ,not the kind of group i would want to be part of.

We had an awful neighbour growing up who was a magistrate, he was also the headteacher of a local school. He was an incredible snob who regularly complained about having to live next to a brown family. He was found to have stolen thousands of pounds of public funds and lied about his son being a heroin addict and a criminal (exposing himself to children) to give him a job. It was extremely satisfying when he was charged as people had been reporting him for years.

Interestingly not a single press report mentions his role as a magistrate, nice bit of supression in the press.

HighStreetOtter · 04/01/2026 08:22

I’d be interested for sure.

GettingGo · 04/01/2026 08:18

Whats the minimum age? 18? Can a year 13 do it?

Onemorechristmas · 04/01/2026 07:40

Squirrelchops1 · 03/01/2026 16:32

Magistrates do have a legal advisor at all times...when you're in court.
If you sit in family court you get the bundle to read about 48 hours ahead of the hearing.
There are various different strands within criminal so I'm not sure if there are any specific courts where they might get papers ahead of time too.

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Is it not really upsetting, sitting as a family magistrate? I imagine lots of badly treated children being removed from parents and put into care

FoxtrotSkarloey · 04/01/2026 00:13

I’d be very interested in doing this but based on what I’ve read, I couldn’t afford to plus because my Dad worked overseas his company paid for private education. So I’m not really that “type” but on paper I am. Never mind.

BoredZelda · 04/01/2026 00:07

MsFogi · 03/01/2026 16:05

I just don’t understand why people are expected to work for free in crucial roles such as magistrates, school governors etc

Me neither.

ResusciAnnie · 04/01/2026 00:03

FIL was one and he’s one of those awful self-appointed ‘pillar of the community’ types so on the basis that it attracts that sort of people, no I couldn’t face it!

NewWinger · 03/01/2026 23:57

Netcurtainnelly · 03/01/2026 21:06

Did you have to visit a prison?

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I did, yes.

I’d done a couple of years there as a volunteer some 4-5 years earlier; at that time it was run down and quite grim, but was so much improved those few years later. I still wouldn’t want to end up there, but it’s useful to see, as we can send people to custody.

Itsmetheflamingo · 03/01/2026 22:22

Yes I would love to. But I have a job, so not yet

JaceLancs · 03/01/2026 22:21

I do salary sacrifice
I have to offer availability of 30 dates a year but only have to sit 15
Generally do 2-4 days a month which I enjoy and is a bit of variety from my day job
OP look at other options including mental health tribunals, GMC panels etc, for voluntary work try Citizens advice or look up your local law clinics
I used to be an appropriate adult in police custody suites too

AmberLime · 03/01/2026 21:54

I want to do this.

My area are advertising (I've just checked). I'm not 50 until later this year, so just meet the under represented group.

I'm a senior safeguarding and attendance lead - will this discount me? I do send families to magistrate Court for non-attendance.

Squirrelchops1 · 03/01/2026 21:22

Netcurtainnelly · 03/01/2026 21:06

Did you have to visit a prison?

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I didn't as I applied only to family court. However, due to work I've visited several prisons anyway in my life.

Original poster
Netcurtainnelly · 03/01/2026 21:06

NewWinger · 03/01/2026 16:41

I’m one, and started an AMA some time ago. Happy to answer questions there or here.

FWIW, I’ve done voluntary work for longer than I care to think about, and it’s by far the best fit for me. The work is broadly as you might expect, the commitment is modest, and there’s a good deal of flexibility.

Did you have to visit a prison?

OP posts:
InterestedDad37 · 03/01/2026 20:32

I wish I had it in me, but I don't. 20 years ago I might have been good at it. I knew 2 people who became magistrates, both of whom were total wankers!

BlueJuniper94 · 03/01/2026 20:30

WarIsPeace · 03/01/2026 19:03

Mixed as in, it's not a Mumsnet Naice area, it's industrial town and all my neighbouring area has a lot of poverty and fair amount of low level crime.
There would always be a fair chance of the defendant knowing someone who I know. Whereas if I lived in a posh village on the outskirts I'd feel less of a possible target. Iykwim.

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I understand, thanks for replying

ACynicalDad · 03/01/2026 20:29

I’d love to, but can’t take all that time off work