Process to become a Magistrate

• Must have these basic qualifications:

  • Must live and work in the area.
  • Must be between the ages of 18-65
  • Must commit to 26 1/2 days a year
• Key Qualities necessary:

  • Good character
  • Social awareness
  • Commitment
  • Reliability
  • Sound Temperament
• Disqualifying Factors 


  • Work in the police force due to conflict of interest.
  • Cannot be an offender.
  • Can't work for public law enforcement i.e traffic police due to conflict of interest,
  • Cannot be bankrupt as it is incompatible with key qualities.
  • Cannot be part of the army due to impracticality cannot commit to the time schedule.
  • Cannot be an MP they cannot make the law and enforce it.
• There are two stages to become a Magistrate: 


  1. Interview stage - 1:1 interview to assess 6 qualities.
  2. Group Interview - Case studies to test for judicial aptitude.

  Then you are appointed by a senior presiding judge.
• Who is responsible for selecting Magistrates?


  LAC or the Local Advisory Committee. They advertise the role and have online application forms.