SEARCH ON FOR MAGISTRATES IN BATH & WANSDYKE

21 Oct 2005 11:45 AM

An advertising campaign urging more people in Bath & Wansdyke to become magistrates has started.

The adverts ask people to volunteer to help deliver justice in their community. The Government is particularly keen to see more magistrates from culturally diverse backgrounds as well as younger people on the benches.

The campaign highlights the benefits magistrates can get from working on the bench, including decision-making, problem solving, communication and teamworking. The drive also hopes to promote the advantages that employed magistrates can bring to the workplace.

Magistrates deal with about 95 per cent of criminal cases and are the cornerstone of the justice system. Decisions made by magistrates affect the lives of victims and witnesses of crime, defendants, their families and the community.

Elaine Laken, Clerk to the Justices and Secretary to the Bath & Wansdyke Magistrates' Advisory Sub-Committee said:

"Magistrates are an important part of the judiciary. They are men and women who care about justice and give up their time to serve their community. They are a crucial part of the justice system.

"The work of magistrates involves reducing crime and nuisance in a neighbourhood, which has a direct effect on the well being of the local community. "

The closing date for applications is 18 November 2005. Applications can be downloaded from the internet www.magistrates.gov.uk and should be returned to Elaine Laken at Bath Magistrates' Court, North Parade Road, Bath, BA1 5AF - or please telephone/e-mail Ann Kibby on 01225 476702/ann.kibby@hmcourts-service.gsi.gov.uk.

Applications require a visit to be made to the local court and Bath Magistrates' Court at North Parade Road, Bath, BA1 5AF, is open to the public from Monday to Friday. Courts start at 10.00 a.m.

Notes to Editors

1. A national campaign targeting employers started on 11 September 2005.

2. There are 28,500 magistrates in England and Wales.

3. For more information, please visit www.magistrates.gov.uk or

- ring 0800 003 007

- ring/e-mail Elaine Laken on 01225 476701/
elaine.laken@hmcourts-service.gov.uk

- ring/e-mail Ann Kibby on 01225
476702/ann.kibby@hmcourts-service.gsi.gov.uk

www.dca.gov.uk

ENDS