Recruiting Magistrates Programme

The recruitment of a diverse range of individuals who are able to act as Magistrates is critically important to the efficient operation of the Justice System.

Magistrates’ Courts are split into Lay Justice courts, which are typically made up of three lay persons known as justices of the peace ( “JPs” ) and are responsible for hearing the majority of cases and District Judge magistrates courts, which are run by Judges, who typically sit on their own.

It is important that the JPs understand and reflect the diversity of the communities in which they are sitting.

There are currently over 500 JPs who sit across the West Midlands and there is a constant need to recruit new people to take on this vitally important role. It is a voluntary role which requires the person to sit in court for a minimum of 13 days in any year and once every 4 weeks. The JP does not have to have any specific legal qualifications but will be provided with relevant training and is supported in Court by a Justices clerk who is a specially appointed individual who is legally qualified.

There are currently three Benchs of Magistrates operating in the West Midlands, being Birmingham & Solihull, the Black County and Coventry and Warwickshire. The High Sheriff is working with the Chairs for each bench to attract more people to take on the role of JP. This includes engaging with Employers to explain the benefits to their employees of taking on such a role.