The UK government has launched a national recruitment campaign to bring 2,000 new volunteers into the magistracy for the 2026 financial year. Since 2022, more than 2,000 extra magistrates have been trained, and the new drive aims to add the same number again. Magistrates are volunteers who sit on cases for a minimum of 13 days a year, allowing many to balance full‑time work and caring responsibilities. Current statistics show 57 % of magistrates are female, 14 % come from ethnic minorities, and London has the highest proportion at 31 %. New recruits receive intensive training, a mentor in their first year and support from specialist legal advisers. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy urged people of all ages and backgrounds to apply, citing a 45 % willingness among residents of England and Wales to volunteer in the next year.
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https://www.gov.uk/government/news/thousands-of-new-magistrates-wanted-in-2026-as-government-launches-national-recruitment-campaign
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