Become a magistrate

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Apply to be a magistrate

Before you can apply, you must:

  • visit your local court or research how family courts work
  • prepare for your application

Visit your local court

You must visit a criminal court at least twice in the 12 months before you apply. You鈥檒l be asked about this in your application.

. The court will tell you when to visit and which courtrooms to see.

Research how family courts work

You cannot visit a family court because these cases are heard in private. To prepare for your application, you must .

Prepare for your application

When you apply you鈥檒l be asked to give examples to show that you can:

  • understand and appreciate different perspectives
  • communicate with sensitivity and respect
  • work and engage with people professionally
  • make fair, impartial and transparent decisions
  • show self-awareness and be open to learning

You also need to provide 2 references. If you鈥檙e employed, one of them must be from your employer. They cannot be a relative or someone you live with.

How to apply online

Visit the magistrates website to .

If your application is successful, you鈥檒l be invited to an interview.

If there are no roles available near you

You can . You鈥檒l get an email when a role in your area is available.

Other ways to apply

Contact your local advisory committee if you cannot apply online. You can request a different format, such as a paper form.