Why should I become a magistrate?

Answer 1

If you want to preach in hospitals go for it!

Answer 2

None of the answers given so far seem to indicate that those answering have the slightest idea what a magistrate is or does.
A Magistrate is a person selected to sit in judgement of their peers. They are supposed to be ordinary but honest and responsible people with life experience. They do not have any formal training in law. If one becomes a Magistrate you are given some training which is quite intense before you finally sit on the bench in court.
To be asked or accepted would in my view be a great honour as you will then be playing a part in British Justice and truly doing a public service. If you are considering this step then take it.

Answer 3

Good question. It's not like you'll get paid for it, and every decision you make will be criticised by somebody!

The reasons for it? Well, the way the law in this country operates at the moment, *someone's* got to do it. And we still have an over-representation of middle-aged, middle-class white people. If you're under 50 and not the typical local business person, then you could bring a much-needed fresh perspective to a bench.

Ideally, a person would want to be a magistrate because they cared about justice, fairness and the community. Sadly some of the ones I have seen in action seem to be most interested in their own power to send someone to prison....

Answer 4

If you have an independant mind, and can assess the evidence put before you, without pre-judging the offence or the accused, without prejudice and without having that judgement swayed by outside influence and reach a reasoned conclusion, then your ability to serve the public as a magistrate should be enlisted. With the above abilities you will get most of the answers to the questions put before you correct and by doing so will provide an indispensable service to the community.

Answer 5

Because you want to raise your social standing.

You want to feel superior.

You want power

You want to have freebies off your 'new' friends

You approve of the closed shop mentality where people in certain social circles 'look after each other' if you know what i mean. Into this group you will have Police, other magistrates, politicians, other law agencies, etc ,etc.

You seek approval from others

There is probably an element of wanting to go good and improve society but who are we trying to fool here?
Ther are many better ways to do that.

Oh, how wonderful it is to be so cynical as i.

Answer 6

I think a lot of people do it for empowerment. They wouldn't admit that though. I sentence you to six months in prison for smoking in public. Take him down. Has a certain ring to it, particularly if you are an anti smoking zealot. Next please.

Answer 7

Its a slack job that requires little education and pays decently with decent benefits. Al depends what you like. It will be boring though. Mostly you will sit behind a window and talk to recently arrested people who want to tell you how innocent they are.

Answer 8

I don't think you are right for the part!

Answer 9

so that u can fine and give ccj s to everyone

Answer 10

boredom is the main reason I think...