Ealing Magistrates Court on Green Man Lane in West Ealing is among the courts expected to benefit from a new recruitment drive, as the government launches a national campaign to strengthen the volunteer magistracy across England and Wales.
The Ministry of Justice said it wants to recruit at least 2,000 new magistrates during the next financial year, matching the number trained since 2022.
Magistrates are unpaid volunteers who hear cases in local courts, dealing with criminal matters, family cases, or both. Most cases are decided by a bench of three, led by a trained chair, with support from a legal adviser on the law and procedure. Almost all criminal cases begin in the magistrates’ court, where magistrates decide on custody or bail, sometimes with strict conditions. They handle offences such as minor assaults, motoring cases, theft and TV licence evasion, and can impose fines, community sentences and prison terms of up to 12 months.
Applicants must be aged between 18 and 74, with magistrates required to retire at 75.
The deputy prime minister, David Lammy, said magistrates were central to the justice system. Mr Lammy said: “Magistrates play a vital role in our court system, hearing thousands of cases across every jurisdiction and delivering justice. They are everyday heroes, and we need more people of every age and background to volunteer to serve and represent their local communities.”
To find out more and apply, visit https://www.gov.uk/become-magistrate
