The History
The role of Justices of The Peace was created in 1361, so in 2011 Magistrates celebrated the 650th anniversary of their creation. This ancient office continues to provide local justice for local citizens.
Magistrates continue to be drawn from people of good character who are required to sit in judgement on their peers. Traditionally the Lord-Lieutenant was responsible to the Crown for enforcing law and order and held the power to appoint Justices of the Peace to The Magistrates Bench, a traditional term for the Panel of Magistrates, within her County. She is Custos Rotulorum or Master of the Rolls
The Magistracy Today
Today, HM Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, is the vice chair on the Hampshire, Wiltshire & Isle of Wight Magistrates Advisory Board. The task of the committee is to select suitable persons from volunteers to join the Bench from a wide variety of walks of life. The Magistracy still holds true to its origins of passing local judgement on their peers. Justices of the Peace are expected to sit a minimum of 13 days a year. The role is unpaid.
The Call for Volunteers
The Advisory Panel are calling for new family magistrate volunteers. Successful applicants will be sworn in before the Magistrates Liaison Judge, in the presence of the Lord-Lieutenant at the Isle of Wight Combined Courts. This is followed by a period of training before new Magistrates are qualified to sit in Court.
Those interested in applying to become a Magistrate should seek further information from Click here for more information >>
Satisfaction Gained
The Lord-Lieutenant wishes to encourages all those who feel they have the capability to rise to the challenge, particularly the younger members of society, to volunteer themselves for this fulfilling and worthwhile duty to for the community.
