Ministry of Justice appeals for people in the North East to volunteer as magistrates

The Ministry of Justice is appealing for people from all walks of life in the North East to consider becoming magistrates.

The appeal is part of a national drive to increase the number and diversity of those volunteering as magistrates across England and Wales, with applications now open.

The Judiciary of England and Wales and the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) are calling on people in the North East to be part of a new wave of volunteers.

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The aim is to allow residents to give back to their local community and help the magistracy to better reflect the diversity of British society.

The Ministry of Justice is appealing for people in the North East to apply to become magistrates. Photo: Oli Scarff/Getty Images.The Ministry of Justice is appealing for people in the North East to apply to become magistrates. Photo: Oli Scarff/Getty Images.
The Ministry of Justice is appealing for people in the North East to apply to become magistrates. Photo: Oli Scarff/Getty Images.

Justice Minister Mike Freer, said: “Magistrates have a vital role to play in our justice system and we want to see every part of society represented on their benches.

“By volunteering their time and experience from other walks of life, they play a hugely important part in transforming lives and delivering justice for victims.”

Volunteers need no legal qualifications or experience to be a magistrate as they will work closely with two other magistrates and a legal adviser, who offers guidance on the law.

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Anyone aged between 18 and 70 who can commit to at least 13 days a year for at least five years is encouraged to come forward and apply to be a volunteer.

Mark Beattie JP, National Chair of the Magistrates’ Association, added: “Magistrates are the cornerstone of the justice system of England and Wales, so we welcome this continued drive to recruit much-needed volunteers to help deliver speedier justice for all.

“Diversity is one of the strengths of the magistracy, so we would encourage those from underrepresented groups and areas to apply to perform this most rewarding of voluntary roles.

“We look forward to sitting alongside you and to welcoming you as members soon.”

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Applications are now open in the North East, anyone looking to volunteer should visit icanbeamagistrate.co.uk for more information.

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