PEOPLE from all walks of life in North Yorkshire are being urged to consider becoming magistrates, as applications open for the role.
The Ministry of Justice has issued an appeal for people from the north of England to volunteer as magistrates.
No legal qualifications or experience is required to be a magistrate, but volunteers will work closely with two other magistrates and a legal advisor, who offers guidance on the law.
The role also gives people a chance to give back to their community, build relationships with new people and develop new skills.
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As a magistrate, you can choose whether you want to sit in a criminal court or a family court.
Magistrates volunteer for at least 13 days (plus training) a year for a minimum of five years to hear all sorts of cases in courts.
Being a magistrate is a part-time role that can fit round other working commitments.
Volunteers must be aged 18 to 70.
Mark Beattie JP, National Chair of the Magistrates’ Association, said: “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.”
For more information visit: icanbeamagistrate.co.uk
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