Are There Any ABers Who Are Magistrates ?

[Dollie]

I ask because my son is thinking of applying to become one - I have checked out the internet and read up quite a bit about it but I thought some of you may be able to share your personal experiences with me. He is only 24 but very level-headed and fair-minded. Thank you in anticipation.

[sense4all]

My Dad was a Magistrate, he felt it was very important that a cross section of the population applied for these positions. It was sometimes tough going - repeat offenders and so forth. In the main he found it to be very rewarding. We used to find it a bit off putting when, out and about, some fairly "robust" looking characters would stroll up and usually say thanks for his plain speaking to/about them when they had appeared before the Bench.

[cherryelm]

I am a magistrate and I would tell your son to go for it.He is at a good age as he has some life experience but is also not so far removed from the ages of a lot of our defendants. Magistrates require lots of common sense and a good knowledge of their area, they get extensive training in everything they need to know about the law. i have been doing it for 11 years now and still find it very rewarding and on occasion heartbreaking. To apply he should contact his local magistrates court and ask for an information pack and application.Good luck

[Dollie]

Thank you both for your replies and information. Doll x