Join the Ranks: Become a Magistrate and Help Solve the Court Backlog Crisis!

The government of England and Wales is initiating a massive recruitment drive to enlist thousands of new magistrates as part of efforts to tackle an escalating crown court backlog. According to the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), more than 2,000 magistrates have already been trained since 2022, with another 2,000 set to be recruited within the next financial year. Justice Secretary David Lammy emphasizes the crucial role that magistrates play in the justice system, urging people from all backgrounds and ages to step forward and volunteer.

The urgency for this recruitment comes as current statistics reveal over 79,600 criminal cases stuck in backlog, a record high, and projections suggest the number could reach 100,000 by 2028. The delays could mean that victims and defendants may face years of waiting to see their cases go to trial—potentially not until 2030 or later for serious crimes charged in 2026.

Lammy dubbed magistrates as “everyday heroes”, underscoring the significant impact they have on the judicial process. He encouraged the public to join this effort, stating, “Volunteering to become a magistrate can make a real difference to your life and the lives of others.” The Magistrates’ Association welcomed the recruitment initiative as a sign of confidence in the magistracy but also called for greater resources for the court system, including the need for trained legal advisers and updates to aging court facilities.

Critically, Shadow Justice Minister Kieran Mullan acknowledged the recruitment’s value but criticized the Labour government’s ongoing failures in delivering substantial reforms. All new magistrates are expected to commit at least 13 days a year to hear cases across various jurisdictions, including criminal, youth, civil, and family proceedings. Current demographic statistics indicate that 57% of magistrates are female, with 14% from minority ethnic backgrounds, with London representing the highest proportion at 31%.