Magistrates are ordinary volunteers who hear cases in local courts and decide on the verdict. Here's where to get started (and you don't need a law degree). 

How to become a magistrate in England and Wales 

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Being a magistrate gets me out of my privileged bubble to really see what is happening in society

Be prepared to sentence people to prison 

The cases you hear open your mind; you learn about the law and the issues affecting your community

Don’t be disheartened if you have a slow day at court… 

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Adults in England and Wales are being encouraged to apply. 

This is how to become a magistrate, if you’ve got some free time and want to give back