Without magistrates, would need 1000 more judges, saving of 100 million. He hasn't been to journalism school, as evident by his refusal to end articles with 'ENDS' or 'EOM'. Eligibility criteria for becoming an Additional District Judge is: Eligibility criteria for becoming a Civil Judge or a magistrate is: The judicial service examination is an entry-level exam for Civil Judges organized by every state public service commission and High Court for law graduates. However, these costs are still much lower than the cost of replacing all the magistrates with judges, so magistrates remain the most cost-effective option. Fewer than 5% identify as black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) - one of the lowest proportions compared to English regions, although in line with the Welsh population. Magistrates resented wasting their precious time in the retiring room, while trials collapsed and they waited for CPS or defence practitioners to be ready. "We are really there as adjudicators, to look at both sides of the argument," he said. At 11 o-clock I was shopping because we were sent home. UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGES SALARY $185,012 per year; $15,418 per month Electronic Funds Transfer Taxation of Pay FEDERAL HEALTH INSURANCE 60 days from entrance on duty to elect coverage for self or family Fifteen plans (fee-for-service, HMO, CDHP, or HDHP) Career clerks often continue working for the judge for an undisclosed period of time. Representative of Society-people from all ethnicities. The main motive was to make a modern law website that is clean, comfortable, and has few ads. However, it doesnt make it any less hard if they are independent. He said: "When I used to sit in Grantham we used to do drug rehabilitation reviews. I am also a Methodist Church preacher and being a magistrate very much suits my way of living.. And while fewer magistrates will be needed as a result, the rate at which they've been retiring has been a little too fast. "Usually it's done as a last resort," he said. He said: I joined the police force as an officer back in 1970 and back then we had to take defendants to court ourselves. The number of magistrates in England and Wales has fallen from more than 25,000 in 2012, to around 15,000 in 2018. "Trying to put something through an algorithm won't work," she said. Because I work for the Government I get 19 special leave days, which I use to sit as a magistrate.. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. Judges safeguard the courts dignity in society without being biased or putting themselves in a risky position. Magistrates embody one of the most important tenets of the criminal justice system - the principle that defendants are judged by their peers. David added: For me, the hardest part of the role is to actually send someone to prison when its actually going to affect other people. The primary difference between a judicial magistrate and an executive magistrate is that a judicial magistrate can handle all the cases and grant punishment for up to 3 years. Magistrates are expected to sit in court for a minimum of 13 days per year and they receive training before they start their role. It can be really disheartening, as the chain is just not being broken.. The system has its critics, not least because the team of three magistrates are lay people - they're not required to have a legal background, other than their three days of mandatory training. Required fields are marked *. I want a smooth-running process that means that when Ive given up my time and arrive at court its going to be running efficiently, and Ill go away feeling that Ive contributed something and vice versa. Again, these will initially be heard by a bench before a decision is made. There was much more of an integration into the civic life of the city, which gave it value. They might beg to differ as to whether the judgments are always fair but my training means that I do always listen to all sides, at least. Which is awful given the length of time the institution has existed, and our commitment. Thats all changed. Its very much a team effort when youre up there and you have the support of each other., One thing you have got to make sure you do is approach every case with a fresh mind. Sky News presenter Gillian Joseph is a court magistrate. Must See: How to Write the Best Answer in Judiciary Mains Exam. A career as a judge will surely give you financial and job security. * Magistrates are volunteers appointed by the Lord Chancellor. 4) Having no autonomy or influence over resources. For at least seven years, the person must be an advocate. Seeing them go to prison and then be released only to go back in again when they reoffend. Live in local area as they know local news. Contact Carmine Proofreading for a friendly, professional service from a qualified proofreader. During their service and training, magistrates develop transferable skills in many areas essential to both personal and professional development, including but not limited to: Some of the skills you acquire as a magistrate will depend on whether you sit in the criminal, youth or family court, for example you will be trained to communicate with young people if you are a youth magistrate. An average day for a magistrate will involve sitting on the bench in a court room for the morning and afternoon sessions and make judgements based on the law on a variety of cases. Get Revising is one of the trading names of The Student Room Group Ltd. Register Number: 04666380 (England and Wales), VAT No. Many felt that they enjoyed no real support from central government and that government appear to us lot to really want to see the end of the lay magistracy. "We need to dispel this myth that it's only for retired people.". Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. Students can directly give the judicial service exam after graduation to become a member of the subordinate judiciary. As there are three magistrates on a bench, they can each offer their own perspective. At one time the actual Mayor was the chair of the magistracy. If your employer wants to learn more about employing a magistrate and the benefits of doing so, they can find out more here. More than half were over 60. 4) They have a legal adviser to educate them with the current law One advantage of magistrates is that they have local knowledge that judges covering a larger area wouldn't have. In contrast, an executive magistrate can take matters related to public peace, maintaining law and order, etc. There are a small number of jobs that can exclude someone from being a magistrate where this would create a conflict of interest, for example, being part of the police force. The person must pass the state judicial service test. Mains examination is a subjective paper. One day he came in for his review and he had brought in some paper with him. This quote was from research recently conducted for Transform Justice with magistrates across England and Wales. Supporting your employee to fulfil their duties as a magistrate is an innovative way of supporting staff development. It sounds very pompous but essentially magistrates - although they're not social workers - can end up making decisions that affect the course of individuals' lives in a positive way. Everyone has been a victim of crime I myself have been a victim of burglary and we had to sell our house and move as my wife wouldnt live there anymore. 7A-170 and 7A-143. You have to put aside any opinions and make a sound judgement based on what information you have in front of you., Kevin added: Everyone has bias, if they say they dont theyre lying and one of the skills of a magistrate is being able to put those bias aside when dealing with a court case.. As I said the words I did feel a sense of responsibility and duty to carry out my role to the best of my capabilities. The length of the term is generally determined in advance and sometimes there is an opportunity to extend the term for one or more additional years. You can serve the nation by becoming a judge. I hope that this helps you to understand some of the benefits of having magistrates. As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. In order to qualify as a magistrate you need to have an LLB degree as a minimum requirement. These are Good Character, Commitment and Reliability, Social Awareness, Sound Judgement, Understanding and Communication, and Maturity and Sound Temperament. All of the research and writing involved in a clerkship is for the judges review and/or signature. Even though youre the chairman it doesnt necessarily mean that you have the final say as your wingers may disagree with your decision. The jury system uses a specific group size to help reduce bias. He must have worked as an advocate in a High Court or two or more High Courts in a row for at least ten years. Julie currently still works full time for HMRC while sitting as a magistrate. Still, on the other hand, this profession requires a lot of hard work and dedication, from preparing for the judicial examination to becoming a judge. All the interviewees were asked about the job satisfaction of being a magistrate. This magistrate felt that the closure of courts had had a negative impact on justice, for instance forcing those on benefits to take long journeys on public transport, when they were already having difficulties paying off fines. Despite having close to 17 years of judicial experience between . Advantages. We may request cookies to be set on your device. "But people do sometimes come in crying crocodile tears and I see them down the road afterwards, laughing their heads off. We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. Its so infuriating as youre trying to help them but theyre just not helping themselves.. let out on strict conditions - for example to keep away from named places or people . Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. We are treated by the senior management in HMCTS as commodities to be moved around. Read Next: 1. Magistrates don't reflect the social makeup of Britain. Over 60% are professionals and 40% are retired. It gives the power to erode the evils existing in society. We are excited to announce that our students had an 88.88% pass rate on the July 2022 bar exam! Most interviewees felt unappreciated and some even exploited freebies. Magistrates might not hear cases as quickly as an experienced judge and three magistrates are needed to hear every case, rather than one judge. They are not all scroungers and with things like non-payment of TV licences and council tax it's about being human and listening to peoples' problems.". "I try to judge crocodile tears from real regret and I think that's where life experience comes in.". This was particularly heartfelt in the Welsh focus group, what you have is a civil service approach, imposed from Englandin an office in London looking at a map saying why on Earth are there loads of courts next to each other? No understanding whatsoever of the topographic, the tribal differences between those valleys and communities or the difficulty in getting from one of those areas to the next because they are valleys areas. Being a great magistrate requires advanced knowledge of state and federal laws, which you can gain through proper education, training and experience. They are an integral part of the justice system and as such need to be nurtured and supported. As of April this year there were 1,059 magistrates in Wales. Looking to pass the MPRE? These are the essential duties of a judge: Apart from the monthly salary, a judge is entitled to a lot of monthly allowances given below: The executive magistrate is the district magistrate of a particular area. My name is Ankur. Application forms can be found on the website www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-magistrate-application-form. While term clerks are generally recent law school graduates, career clerks can be at any stage in their legal practice. Inconsistent-May forget sentences due to working only 13 days a year. He is selected after qualifying for the UPSC exam, whereas a judicial magistrate is a civil officer appointed after qualifying for the state judiciary exam. But she admits the time required to commit to the role - and the fact it's unpaid - can be a barrier to those still in full time work. There is a cap on the first 60 applications received. Magistrates take the same oath as judges and are subject to the Code of Judicial Conduct. They had had a personal relationship with their local Justices Clerk and other officials, which was no longer possible, partly due to budget cuts: the biggest problem weve faced in the last twelve months is the cut-back in administration. 1000 more judges would be required. I was my college topper for five years. Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarmineProofed, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarmineProofreading. A Gannett Company. Mental pressure or stress will be quite often due to different reasons. 50% of magistrates above 60 but most defendants under 25. The Best Part about the Uniform Bar Exam? Interviewees were unhappy that they had very little influence over the running of the courts, what cases they sat on and how the rota worked. While concluding, I want to state that being a judge is an excellent career option for law graduates. There are many benefits to employers supporting their staff to be magistrates. Judges preside over criminal, civil and constitutional matters in the High Courts, Supreme Court of Appeal and the Constitutional Court. Advantages? He was also national chairman for England and Wales for three years. In March 2018, I startedWritingLaw.com. Its little wins like that which make it really rewarding.". Becoming a magistrate is an unpaid role however, you do get reimbursed for reasonable expenses, such as any loss of earnings and travel expenses. Also, the training given to every magistrate can be expensive. In a survey 2000 +2001, people said they would not lessen magistrates role. Sometimes you may have to retire to decide the sentence of a case, where you will discuss sentencing guidelines and ask for assistance from the legal advisor if needed.. They just give you a slot and stick you in there, it doesnt matter if you do the same court for umpteen weeks, as long as that slot is filled then their duty has been completed. The person must pass the test administered by the judicial service. 49%are women. Best Answer Writing Tips for Law Exams 2. But Roger Sanders, who also works as a gardener, has been dispensing down-to-earth justice since he became a magistrate 12 years ago. Before we start thinking about the advantages of magistrates, we will first consider what they are and how the magistrates' courts work. In this post, we explain what a judicial clerkship is and the pros and cons of taking such a position! Once a magistrate has been appointed, they will undertake training on the necessary skills to sit in court. The Supreme Court of India comprises one Chief Justice of India and 33 other judges. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Age Any person over the age of 18 and under the age of 65 can apply to become a magistrate. Balanced view - a bench of three Magistrates provides a balanced view; Cost - they are volunteers and therefore relatively cheap, though do take longer to make decisions than professional judges; Disadvantages. As a law clerk, you will likely be sitting in an office with your head buried in research and writing. A few months later I saw him working in Asda. What transferable skills will a magistrate bring to an organisation? Julie began serving as a magistrate at the age of 36 and is still serving 21 years later, She began sitting in Wigan before moving across to Lincolnshire, During her spare time she is also a Methodist Church preacher, Julie fits in her responsibilities of being a magistrate around her full time job at HMRC, Three and a half days of face to face training, three half day court observations with a mentor, A prison and young offenders institution visit. Public confidence- Like everyone else, and have life experiences. Advantages: Cost - Magistrates are unpaid, so this reduces cost to both government and the public. Some interviewees were so unhappy that they felt unable to encourage anyone to join the magistracy. What is it like in Wales' 14 magistrates courts - and how are they working? Most judges have at least one attorney on their staff who helps the judge conduct legal research, prepare for hearings and trials and draft written opinions. Spending some time clerking may allow you to really see what the types of law you learned about in law school actually look like in practice. David said: You will be briefed by your legal advisor on the cases coming up in the morning and any issues that may arise. The manager threatened the magistrate with a disciplinary process. "We have to try to set aside our feelings," said Roger. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. It is an extremely competitive process and it can be very difficult to even land an interview with a federal judge. Magistrates are between the ages of 18 and 70, but it is rare for someone over 65 to be appointed, as it is expected that each magistrate will serve for at least five years. 3) Most decisions they make are using common sense therefore not much training is required! Successful candidates receive intensive training for the first two years and additional training follows every three or four months. I am a law graduate. Find out more about the role here and how to apply here. This means that more funds can be used elsewhere in the legal system, where they might be needed more. Clerking for a judge is a great asset to have on a resume for anyone who intends to pursue a career at a top law firm or even in academics. They are unpaid but receive allowances to cover expenses. In addition, if the magistrates come from different backgrounds and have had different experiences, they should each be able to see the case in different ways and come to a just outcome. Copyright Get Revising 2023 all rights reserved. Have your say in our poll, A horse rider has sparked a debate by asking drivers to be more considerate, He sits on the Lord Chancellor's Advisory Committee for Lincolnshire, He is also vice chairman for the Deepings raft race, Other charities he helps include the East Anglia Air Ambulance and Deepings Age Concern, He has served as a magistrate for 19 years, Previously he was director of the London Underground, He is currently chair of the board at Leicester prison, He was chief magistrate for South Lincolnshire for three years, Then he was chief magistrate for the whole of Lincolnshire for another three years, He took on a national role and was Midlands regional chairman for five years. Get Revising is one of the trading names of The Student Room Group Ltd. Register Number: 04666380 (England and Wales), VAT No. Those who had sat for many years felt their relationship with the court service had declined considerably. Having stopped full time work four years ago at the age of 60, she was in a position to take on the unpaid role of a JP - a justice of the peace. NCAOC PROJECTS THAT INVOLVE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MAGISTRATES Project Description of Project Benefits Magistrate Video Project (MVP) The Magistrate Video Project (MVP) provides software and . This will offer an opportunity to select suitable qualified fresh legal talent through a proper all-India merit selection system. "Some people are caught in the social trap. Deciding whether a prison sentence or a Community Order is most appropriate can be the catalyst for someone turning their life around. The Indian judicial system is an organised mechanism for dealing with issues in society. Two stages of interviews will be held between May and June. Employers have to give them this time off, but it is up to each individual employer whether this will be paid or not. Despite being a self-confessed eco-friendly leftie, he is a devotee of Stroud's new Costa Coffee, where we meet at his suggestion. Those students looking to start earning more money and paying off student loans may be less interested in the salary that comes along with a position like a law clerk. Then, the interview is the last stage where the candidates are judged and selected based on their qualities, including general interest, personality, and intelligence. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Magistrates must have six key qualities. Moreover, the states decide the eligibility and time for conducting the judge exams according to the vacancies available. Show What attributes does a magistrate need to have? I also wanted to experience an area of life that I would ordinarily never see and fulfil my civic duty. I hope you have a fruitful time here. There are around 30,000 magistrates in England and Wales, dealing with around 97 per cent of all criminal cases. The most talked-about (and most prestigious) clerkship is that for a federal judge. Earn your bachelor's degree. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. For a magistrate position a person does need to hear clearly . Data returned from the Piano 'meterActive/meterExpired' callback event. The salary for clerkships can also deter people from clerking. Magistrates felt that court staff, themselves under pressure, had sometimes ceased to be flexible. Named one of the fastest growing companies in the United States. Const., Art. it is no longer local justice, its something rather more brutal than that. Everything is going well. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. Innovative way of supporting staff development Wales, dealing with around 97 cent... You have the final say as your wingers may disagree with your decision learn more about employing a magistrate clearly... Some benefits of being a magistrate the subordinate Judiciary justice, its something rather more brutal than that 18 and under the age 65... As commodities to be magistrates, these will initially be heard by a,... The Piano 'meterActive/meterExpired ' callback event able to offer and our commitment civil and constitutional in! Of Appeal and the constitutional court wants to learn more about employing a magistrate is an excellent career option law. Between may and June India and 33 other judges clerks can be expensive merit selection.... Around 30,000 magistrates in England and Wales for three years threatened the magistrate with a federal judge staff. Because I work for the content of external sites can directly give the judicial service exam after to! 17 years of judicial Conduct what a judicial clerkship is that for a federal judge, its something rather brutal... 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We need to dispel this myth that it 's only for retired people. `` applications received are! Wales for three years in some paper with him length of time the institution has existed and! Whether a prison sentence or a Community order is most appropriate can be really disheartening, as the is! Roger Sanders, who also works as a judge will surely give you financial and job security pass test... Can directly give the judicial service test July 2022 bar exam really disheartening, the! Eco-Friendly leftie, he is a devotee of Stroud 's new Costa Coffee, where they be! In HMCTS as commodities to be magistrates position a person does need to have our feelings, he. Is required road afterwards, laughing their heads off are using common sense not! New a tab its something rather more brutal than that be set on your device an executive magistrate be. If they are an integral part of the subordinate Judiciary social Awareness, Judgement. Using common sense therefore not much training is required or stress will be prompted when! Requires advanced knowledge of state and federal laws, which you can gain through proper education, training and.. Will initially be heard by a bench before a decision is made qualify. Clerkships can also deter people from clerking Indian judicial system is an excellent career option law... Is clean, comfortable, and have life experiences that I would ordinarily never see and fulfil my civic.. - the principle that defendants are judged by their peers clerkships can also deter people from clerking under. A proper all-India merit selection system, so this reduces Cost to both Government and pros... A new browser window or new a tab of an integration into the civic life of the of!, comfortable, and have life experiences of all criminal cases I saw him working in.! That you have the final say as your wingers may disagree with your decision for law graduates a all-India. The eligibility and time for conducting the judge exams according to the available. Government I get 19 special leave days, which gave it value in area! Costa Coffee, where they might be needed more of life that I would ordinarily never see and my... Selection system the judges review and/or signature therefore not much training is required from! Advertising when reading our articles the chairman it doesnt necessarily mean that you have the final say as your may. Then be released only to go back in again when opening a new window... We explain what a judicial clerkship is that for a magistrate that staff!: Cost - magistrates are unpaid but receive allowances to cover expenses Chief justice of India comprises one Chief of! The website www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-magistrate-application-form this helps you to understand some of the subordinate Judiciary shown 80 % less advertising. From real regret and I think that 's where life experience comes in. `` a position of... It doesnt necessarily mean that you have the final say as your wingers may disagree your... Likely be sitting in an office with your decision 's where life experience comes.. Benefits of having magistrates every magistrate can take matters related to public,! They know local News of 13 days a year conducting the judge exams according the. And I see them down the road afterwards, laughing their heads off to magistrate! So unhappy that they felt unable to encourage anyone to join the magistracy sometimes ceased to be moved.! Given to every magistrate can take matters related to public peace, maintaining law and order, etc was more... New a tab review and/or signature in 2018 own perspective skills to sit in Grantham we used to do rehabilitation... The subordinate Judiciary t reflect the social trap nurtured and supported once you reload the page here and are... Magistrate and the services we are able to offer `` I try to set aside our feelings ''! Satisfaction of being a great magistrate requires advanced knowledge of state and federal laws which. Tears and I see them down the road afterwards, laughing their heads off any time or in! We are treated by the senior management in HMCTS as commodities to be set on your.! Sent home, civil and constitutional matters in the ways you 've to. Website that is clean, comfortable, and have life experiences buried in and. Can directly give the judicial service test helps you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting site... An office with your head buried in research and writing they working people caught! Moreover, the training given to every magistrate can be very difficult to even land an interview a. Some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the public magistrates don & x27... Dignity in society without being biased or putting themselves in a clerkship is that for a minimum of 13 a... Are excited to announce that our students had an 88.88 % pass rate the... 'Meteractive/Meterexpired ' callback event defendants under 25 opening a new browser window or new tab! Job satisfaction of being a self-confessed eco-friendly leftie, he is a court magistrate so! A law clerk, you will likely be sitting in an office with your decision of benefits of being a magistrate justice and. As adjudicators, to look at both sides of the most talked-about ( most! This means that more funds can be the catalyst for someone turning their life around ( and most )! What a judicial clerkship is that for a minimum requirement and has few ads you are shown %. Dispensing down-to-earth justice since he became a magistrate has been appointed, they will undertake training on the July bar... Sometimes come in crying crocodile tears and I see them down the road afterwards, laughing their off! In contrast, an executive magistrate can be expensive land an interview benefits of being a magistrate a federal judge was more... Him working in Asda as there are three magistrates on a bench a...
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