Most readers of the New Law Journal will need little reminding that our justice system has, for too long, operated on goodwill stretched to breaking point. The strain on criminal legal aid, the crisis in court maintenance, the exodus from the Crown Prosecution Service and private defence practice—none of this is news to solicitors and barristers. What is perhaps less widely discussed, though, is that magistrates—the volunteer judiciary who hear over 90% of criminal cases—have faced similar neglect, while helping to prop up an overstretched system.
The ‘Magistrates Matter’ report, recently published by the Magistrates’ Association, the only membership body and independent voice for magistrates, does not ask for miracles. It sets out seven practical, modest recommendations to recognise and retain this vital volunteer force—and to help ensure that the courts they serve are resilient, effective and trusted by the public. These recommendations cost little in the scheme of things, but their impact could be considerable.
The human factor
Magistrates are
