Call for more people to be magistrates

People from all walks of life in Sunderland are being urged to consider becoming a magistrate.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and Judiciary of England and Wales are bidding to boost the number of people sitting on court benches by 4,000– and their diversity.

No legal qualifications or experience is required, with volunteers working closely with two other magistrates and a legal advisor, who offers guidance on the law.

The MoJ says the role also gives people a chance to give back to their community, build relationships with new people and develop new skills.

Magistrates are given training and an experienced mentor in their first year and says the MoJ typically develop highly transferrable skills such as critical analysis, complex problem-solving, mediation, influencing and decision-making, all of which stand to benefit them in their wider lives.

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." Mark Beattie, National Chair of the Magistrates’ Association, said: “Magistrates are the cornerstone of the justice system and we welcome this continued drive to recruit muchneeded volunteers to help deliver speedier justice for all."

Anyone looking to volunteer should visit icanbeamagistrate.co.uk for more information.