A Visit to the Guildford Law Courts
As my first official engagement as High Sheriff, I had the pleasure of meeting the security team at the Guildford Law Courts before attending the swearing in ceremony of Surrey’s newest magistrate.
It was an impressive occasion in front of Her Honour Judge Lees, the Resident Judge at Guildford Crown Court, with the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux CVO, and the Chairman of the Bench, Dr Mike Kelly JP in attendance.
Magistrates fulfil a highly important role in the English justice system. 95% of all criminal cases are heard entirely in the Magistrates Court with only the most serious criminal cases being moved on to the Crown Court. Uniquely, all magistrates are volunteers.
It was an inspiring afternoon.
