Recruitment drive launched for new magistrates

The UK government launched a drive to recruit 2,000 new magistrates in England and Wales for the next financial year, aiming to reduce a significant courts backlog and speed up justice delivery. Since 2022, over 2,000 magistrates have been trained. Magistrates are required to volunteer at least 13 days annually, with current demographics showing 57% female and 14% from ethnic minority backgrounds (31% in London). Justice Secretary David Lammy called magistrates "everyday heroes" and urged diverse candidates to apply. The recruitment is part of broader court reforms, including controversial plans to limit jury trials for sentences under three years and increase magistrates' sentencing powers from 12 to 18 months. The Magistrates' Association welcomed the move but highlighted the need for more resources, including legal advisers and court repairs. Shadow justice minister Kieran Mullan criticized the reforms, particularly the jury trial changes, warning they could undermine public confidence.