England is recruiting magistrates: no law degree, 13 days a year — who can apply

On 24 September the Ministry of Justice launched a national recruitment campaign for magistrates — “You’ve got the makings of a magistrate”. Its point is simple: the judge in a magistrates’ court is not a lawyer but an ordinary local person — and the government wants 21,000 of them by 2028/29. No legal qualifications are required, the minimum commitment is 13 days a year, and by law your employer must give you time off for sittings.

For Russian-speaking residents of England this is news of double use: first, your neighbour — or you — could become a magistrate; second, it is a reason to understand the court that handles around 95% of the country’s criminal cases.

Who are magistrates and what do they decide?

Magistrates are volunteers who hear cases in their local courts — criminal, family or both. A case is usually heard by three magistrates, with a legal adviser on questions of law. Almost all criminal cases pass through magistrates’ courts: minor theft and assaults, motoring offences, handling stolen goods — and, yes, watching TV without a TV Licence. Punishments run to fines, unpaid community work and prison up to 12 months for one offence; serious crimes (murder, robbery) go up to the Crown Court. Family magistrates decide care, adoption, child maintenance and domestic abuse orders.

Why recruit judges through advertising?

Because few people know the truth about them. In fresh research for the campaign, only 32% of British adults knew magistrates are volunteers from the local community; 61% believed they are legal professionals. The campaign’s message is that the qualities needed — fairness, listening, staying calm under pressure — are ones half of us already have. It runs on TV, audio and social media.

What are the requirements?

Age 18 to 74 (retirement is mandatory at 75). No degrees or legal training: full training is free, about 10 days over the first two years. You need “good character”: chances are slim if you have a serious conviction, a string of minor ones, a driving ban in the last 5–10 years or a bankruptcy. Citizenship is not mentioned in the GOV.UK requirements. You cannot combine the role with a job that creates a conflict of interest — the police or prison service, for example.

How much time does it take, and is it paid?

You are expected to serve at least 5 years, sitting at least 13 full days a year (or 26 half days). Rotas come well in advance, and employers must allow reasonable time off by law. The role is unpaid, but if you lose earnings you can claim an allowance at a set rate, plus travel and subsistence.

How do you apply?

Before applying you must visit criminal court sittings twice in the previous 12 months as an observer (the court will tell you when to come) — the application asks about it. You need two references, one from your employer; relatives do not count. Applications go through the “I can be a magistrate” website; if there are no roles nearby, you can register your interest for the future.

Why know this even if you never apply?

The magistrates’ court is where a resident of England is most likely to meet the justice system — from a speeding fine to a child maintenance dispute. It helps to know your case will be decided not by “people in wigs” but by three neighbours with a legal adviser. And if your dispute is about money — claims up to £10,000 usually go not here but to the small claims track: see our guide to suing for your money without a lawyer.