Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
The government has initiated a large-scale recruitment campaign aimed at enlisting thousands of new volunteer magistrates across England and Wales. This effort is part of a broader strategy to address the growing backlog within crown courts. Since 2022, over 2,000 magistrates have been successfully trained, and officials are now aiming to increase this number by an additional 2,000 during the upcoming financial year.
Justice Secretary David Lammy emphasized the crucial role that magistrates play within the judiciary, highlighting the need for volunteers from diverse ages and backgrounds. In a move to expedite the justice system, Lammy revealed in December plans for extensive reforms, which include removing juries from several trials in both jurisdictions of England and Wales.
Currently, the backlog of criminal cases stands at more than 79,600—its highest since early 2023—and projections suggest it could reach 100,000 by 2028, as reported by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). These delays could have severe consequences; some cases involving serious crimes charged in 2026 might not reach trial until after 2030, causing prolonged waits for victims and defendants alike.
Lammy praised magistrates by calling them “everyday heroes” for their work across various courts and urged the public to consider volunteering. He stated, “Volunteering to become a magistrate can make a real difference to your life and the lives of others – that’s why I’m calling on the public to apply and play your part.” While the Magistrates’ Association welcomed this recruitment drive as a “big vote of confidence,” it also stressed the need for increased court resources, including legal advisers and improvements to aging court facilities. Opposition voices, such as Shadow Justice Minister Kieran Mullan, acknowledged the importance of recruitment but argued that it does not address the deeper issues facing the justice system under the current Labour government.
Magistrates volunteering in this scheme are expected to contribute at least 13 days annually to hearing cases. Positions are open across various legal areas, including criminal, youth, civil, and family courts, with legal advisers on hand to assist magistrates in managing the complexity of cases. According to the MoJ, recent statistics reveal that women account for 57% of magistrates, while 14% come from ethnic minority backgrounds, with London boasting the highest representation at 31%
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.