The Appointment of Magistrates
Lay magistrates in England and Wales, except in the Duchy of Lancaster, are appointed by the Lord Chancellor on behalf, and in the name, of the Sovereign.

On appointment, magistrates, also known as Justices of the Peace, are requited to swear or affirm that they:
will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her heirs and successors, according to law.

and that they:

will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth the Second in the office of Justice of the peace, and will do right to all manner of people, after the laws and usages of this realm, without fear or favoui; affection or ill will.

Candidates are recommended to the Lord Chancellor for appointment by his local Advisory Committees, consisting of magistrates and other local people. The Lord Chancellor will consider a candidate's personal suitability for appointment regardless of ethnic origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, religion or subject to the physical requirements of the office, disability. No formal qualifications are required. In making their recommendations, Advisory Committees not only consider the personal suitability of candidates but also the number of vacancies and the need to ensure that the composition of each bench broadly reflects the community which it serves.

 
The Duties of a Magistrate
Each magistrate is expected to undertake a fair share of the work of the Bench. The Lord Chancellor requires that a magistrate should sit for at least 26 half days each year and endeavour to be available to sit for up to 35 half days each year. Magistrates should be prepared to sit for a whole day if necessary.

Magistrates normally exercise their duties as part of a bench of three. They will at all times have available to them the advice of a qualified court clerk.
Training
Newly appointed magistrates are required to undergo a programme of training, prescribed by the Lord Chancellor, to help them to understand their duties, to obtain a sufficient knowledge of law and procedure, to acquire a working knowledge of the rules of evidence and to appreciate the nature and purpose of sentencing.

Allowances
Lay magistrates are not paid for carrying out theit duties, but may claim allowances, within specified limits, for travelling, subsistence and financial loss.

You can visit the DCA website for more details:

http://www.dca.gov.uk/magistrates/candidates/index.htm

 To apply

Application forms can be obtained by writing to the Secretary to the Advisory Committee at one of the revelant addresses or on line:

Bradford/Keighley Magistrates' Courts: Mr Frank Gray, Secretary to the Advisory Committee Bradford Magistrates' Court, P.O. Box 187, The Tyrls, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 1JL Tel: 01274 302034/5

Calderdale Magistrates' Court: Mr Gordon Airy, Calderdale Magistrates' Court, Secretary to the Advisory Committee P.O. Box 32, Harrison Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 2AN Tel: 01422 360695

Leeds Magistrates' Court: Mrs Jane Gill, Secretary to the Advisory Committee, Leeds Magistrates' Court, PO Box 97, Westgate, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3JP Tel: 0113 2459653

Kirklees Magistrates' Courts: Mrs Michelle Parry-Sharp, Secretary to the Advisory Committee, Kirklees Magistrates' Courts, P.O. B37, Law Courts, Civic Centre, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD1 2NH Tel: 01484 423552

Wakefield/Pontefract Magistrates' Courts: Mr Ray Goodman, Wakefield Magistrates' Court, Secretary to the Advisory Committee The Court House, Cliff Parade, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 2TW 01924 231100

For further information please telephone HMCS Area Office, 01924 427923