Anyone volunteer as a magistrate?

[Shitfather]

Hello

FB did a good thing for me yesterday and showed me an ad for volunteering as a magistrate. I’m going through a pretty awful legal family case with ex, and see how broken the system is. I’d have been a lawyer had I made a different decision years ago. I know no legal background is required, but I have the motivation. I’m a single mother, and just wondered what the time commitment was like (website says 13 days plus annual training), whether you enjoy it, find it stressful, etc.

Thank you!

I was looking to do this just before covid hit so it was put on hold . I know a couple of people who are magistrates and it sounds very rewarding.

They do get a choice of dates but beyond that it is not very flexible, you'd need to feel secure in your emergency childcare arrangements.

You're expected to have been to court to observe before you apply so do that then see if you can have a chat with the magistrate afterwards.

@Risslan thank so much for your post! DS is nearly 12 and quite independent. I guess I was wondering how much work is involved for a case. I really feel like it’s something I’d love to do.

I want to hit o can't work out how to get the requisite visiting the court in-I want to do family court specifically.

My DD is a magistrate and is in her 20s. They are especially looking for a diversity of backgrounds on the bench as the majority of magistrates are 60+. Being a young (under 60!!), single mum would definitely be an advantage. In our area they wanted people from non-managerial backgrounds.

The time commitment is indeed 13 days per year. Court sits from 10am, but most magistrates are in at 8.30am to look through the case papers.

DD went along to observe at the magistrates court and knew after that that she definitely wanted to apply. She has no legal background just lots of common sense and ability to think things through critically. Ring your local court and explain that you are thinking of applying and they will organise a court visit and the ushers will make sure you sit in on cases that reflect the role.

Check the Ask Me Anything board on Mumsnet, there was a recent post from somebody who was a Magistrate (as I posted a comment!)