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Guidance

Becoming a magistrate: guidance for applicants

Visit the Volunteer to be a Magistrate website to find out what to do before applying, details of the recruitment process and apply online.

Updates to this page

From:
Ministry of Justice
Published:
5 January 2014
Last updated:
24 January 2022
Show all updates

  1. Removed guidance document and changed details to link to the new online application process at https://magistrates.judiciary.uk/.

  2. Guidance updated.

  3. Guidance updated.

  4. Removal of guide for applications up to 31 May 2019

  5. Update to the attached guidance.

  6. Adding guidance on the new recruitment process from 1 June 2019

  7. Update to attached guidance notes

  8. Contact details and links updated in guidance document

  9. Guidance updated.

  10. Updated version of the guide

  11. Updated version of the guide

  12. Minor update

  13. New version of the guidance document

  14. First published.

Applies to England and Wales

Documents

Apply online to be a magistrate

https://magistrates.judiciary.uk/

Details

Apply to become a magistrate online

Find out what magistrates are expected to do, what goes on inside court and apply online.

Get guidance on completing an application form to become a magistrate, including details of what you need to supply for restricted occupations, criminal records, key attributes for the role and references.

Find out more about how to volunteer as a magistrate and decide if it’s the right opportunity for you.

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