Swearing In Our New Magistrates.

I was delighted to be present for the swearing in of new Magistrates at Guildford Crown Court last week.

It was the second swearing in ceremony I have attended. Surrey now has around 185 magistrates but are looking for more! Over 95% of criminal cases are heard in the Magistrates Courts, and this will probably rise after new legislation increases their sentencing powers. 

Being a magistrate is a voluntary position, involving a few weeks of training and mentoring and then the expectation that you will devote a minimum of 13 days a year; so it can often be fitted in around other employment or after retirement. It is a vital part of the criminal justice system and I was therefore also delighted, at my High Sheriff Award Ceremony earlier in the week, to recognise the Surrey Bench Management Team, themselves all volunteer magistrates, but who also administer and manage the other magistrates and the running of the courts. 

I was delighted to see one of the people being sworn in was Sallie Barker, previously Mayor of Guildford and who sits on the Guildford Philanthropy Panel with me.  

(The Surrey Bench Management Team – receiving a High Sheriff Award last week)