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Original poster

Applying to be a magistrate

40 replies

MeLud · 18/12/2003 14:25

Changed my name for this as its all secret, but I have an interview to be a JP after christmas.

I have been told by contacts to mug up on Legalisation of Cannabis and changes in Jury trials.

Any more ideas?

OP posts:
motherinfestivemood · 18/12/2003 14:37

Turn on, tune in, drop out

Original poster
MeLud · 18/12/2003 14:38

..thanks.

OP posts:
twiglett · 18/12/2003 16:02

message withdrawn

sunchowder · 18/12/2003 19:58

I wish I could give you some ideas! Be yourself, firm yet not too aggressive--I know you want to keep this secret...but I seem to remember working on application and/or cover letter a few months ago....keep sense of humor in check. I am sure that someone not living in the States like me will be able to offer much more specific help. All the best of luck, and I hope it will be everything you want it to be. At least you will have some power at the office!

motherinfestivemood · 18/12/2003 20:09

Sorry for earlier end-of-term frivolous post - I was about to down tools for festivities. My sister used to be a solicitor, shall I ask her?

Oh, and don't smoke a large spliff in the waiting-room. It gives a bad impression.

Original poster
MeLud · 18/12/2003 20:19

It s voluntary - theres a big push on at the mo to recruit under 40s. AM hoping I get nursery costs paid though.

Go to your local courts and observe, the application deadline has just gone as they appoint in spring.

I am sure you all know who I am, but I dont want to jeopardise my application.

Thanks Sc for the advice.

I think theres a bit about preconceptions and stereotypes ... and the Criminal Justice Act - alot of work ahead.

Twig - read " A magistrates Tale" by Trevor Groves - got me thinking...

OP posts:
Original poster
MeLud · 18/12/2003 20:22

YOu wait till I am sentencing you all to 6 months in the nick

OP posts:
Gilli · 18/12/2003 22:27

Don't worry about mugging up on anything: they will want to establish that you are well balanced :0, unbiased, have no screaming prejudices and loads of common sense, plus the ability to follow arguments and form opinions. We are guided on the law, so no-one needs to be an expert. I get my childminders cost reimbursed, but I believe that the practice varies from area to area.Good luck.

popsicicle · 18/12/2003 22:34

i have no idea whoyou are MeLud
maybe ui am being thick

libb · 18/12/2003 23:11

I work at a Magistrates Court, I am not sure who to ask but I can try and find out for you?

It can be very interesting (except for the Speed Camera Team I'm in . . . I think I went wrong somewhere in the interview!)

Original poster
MeLud · 19/12/2003 12:40

thanks Gilli - might ask for more advice later - how many days a week do you sit?

OP posts:
Gilli · 19/12/2003 19:44

On average I sit for about 1 day per fortnight (a day counts as 2 sittings) and the Lord Chancellor likes us to sit for a minimum of 26 sittings per year, but the average is 35 to 45. The rota is planned a year in advance so you can ask them to exclude school holidays, for instance.

Have a look at the Magistrates Association Website too:www.magistrates-association.org.uk - it might be interesting for you and I think its open to the general public.

Original poster
melud · 15/01/2004 19:44

Ok had first interview today and it went really well.

They didnt know about child care expenses and I managed not to say "well this woman on mUmsnet.."!

So they said they thought not and I thought you bloody well will - equality of opps etc.!!

Find out in a week if I get through to the second one.

OP posts:
motherinferior · 15/01/2004 19:47

Congratulations. I think you'll be fab actually.

Love from Rumpole

batey · 15/01/2004 19:50

Congratulations MeLud I'm sure you'll be great!

Original poster
melud · 20/01/2004 11:46

ok, more excitement

Have a second interview next week!

OP posts:
motherinferior · 20/01/2004 11:53

Remember, put everyone at ease by putting your feet up on a chair, call them all 'mate' and offer gum'n'fags

Original poster
melud · 20/01/2004 11:54

that must have ben what worked last time!!

OP posts:
dinosaur · 20/01/2004 12:01

You could watch the interview scene in Trainspotting to get you in the mood

princesspeahead · 20/01/2004 12:05

well done melud! just be your normal, charming, "string-em-up" self and all will be well...!!

Original poster
melud · 20/01/2004 12:10

there are two hypothetical cases to look at before you "discuss" them apparently

OP posts:
Gilli · 20/01/2004 20:22

Well done! Don't worry about preparation: they will be looking to see how you think, and whether you have any obvious prejudices: there will be no single 'right' answer to anything they ask.
The cases are to see whether you can distinguish the more serious elements of a case, and whether or not you can structure your thoughts when considering what disposal you might make. that's why its important not to over prepare. You aren't a magistrate yet, so no one is looking for you to be perfect. Just stay calm, and focused, and be yourself. If you are right for the job, they will see it, I promise!

motherinferior · 21/01/2004 08:51

I was up before one of you lot when I was a student, you know. For doing peace movementy things, in case you were wondering.

Coddy · 07/02/2004 19:12

Ok so I went for the second interview which I really enjoyed. Now no new s is good news and I will see what happens. no official notification till Summer but if I havent heard by, I dunno, March then its looking likely!!

Child care is covered.

can come clean now interviewing over,

btw Gill interview was just as you said.

katierocket · 07/02/2004 19:21

good for you coddy. fingers crossed