How to become a magistrate in western australia

How do judges work in Australia? Becoming a magistrate or judge can be a lengthy process and there are stringent selection criteria. To be selecte a candidate will need to be able to demonstrate an exceptionally high level of integrity , along with the experience and other personal attributes required.

The Governor-in-Co​uncil appoints judicial officers on the recommendation of the Attorney General. Vacancies for judges of the District Court and Local Court magistrates are advertised.

The appointment of judges to the higher courts and the appointment of heads of jurisdiction continue to be made traditionally following consultation with the head of jurisdiction and relevant legal professional bodies. See full list on careers. The statutory requirements for qualification for office are set out in the relevant legislation establishing the court: 1. Appointments will be made on the basis of merit. Subject to this principle, including the relevant considerations listed below, there is a commitment to promoting diversity in the judiciary. Consideration will be given to all legal experience, including that outside mainstream legal practice.

The Law Society of NSW and the NSW Bar Association are also notified of the vacancy. A panel is convened from time to time to review EOIs against the selection criteria.

Following interviews candidates are assessed as being highly suitable, suitable or unsuitable for judicial office – candidates are not otherwise ranked within these categories. The panel develops a short list of candidates for interview. Given the high level of interest in appointment to judicial office and the occurrence of vacancies throughout the year, the panel may reconvene to conduct fresh interviews to assist in expanding the pool of applicants identified as being most suitable for judicial office.

Expressions of interest (EOIs) provide a pool of candidates from which a list of suitable candidates for judicial office may be drawn. While EOIs are usually submitted in response to an advertised position, interested persons may submit an EOI at any time in relation to possible future vacancies for District Court judges and Local Court magistrates. The Attorney General may draw upon this list as vacancies arise. All EOIs are treated as confidential. Consultation with referees and stakeholders will still take place regarding persons being considered for appointment.

The list of EOIs will remain active until the next advertisement calling for fresh EOIs. Other statutory appointments in NSW that are advertised are: 1. The Business Licence Finder is a one-stop-shop for business licensing information. New and existing businesses can use the business licence finder to get a report, tailored to the information they provide, on the licences, registrations and codes of practice required to operate a business in Western Australia.

Enrolled on the State electoral roll. Of good character and reputation, including (preferably) a record of community service. Even though their jurisdictional functions may seem alike, judges and magistrates considerably differ from one another.

Judges, on the other han have great authority over matters and generally hear larger, more complex cases. Therefore, while they are both official representatives of the Crown, their roles significantly differ.

In this article, we will discuss the different factors that make judges and magistrates distinct members of the judiciary. A judge is a public official with authority to hear cases in a court of law and pronounce judgement. Judges often sit in the District Court and may have to preside over jury trials. When presiding over jury trials, a judge will have to explain complex legal matters to the jury in simple terms.

They will also help them understand what they need to consider when assessing whether a person is guilty or innocent of a crime. Moreover, judges decide the penalty that applies to people who plead guilty or are found guilty of criminal offences. Their judgement will often preside over appeals from the lower courts.

They may also hear applications for adjournment, decide penalties where a person pleads guilty or decide whether a person is guilty if they choose to challenge the case. Being a judge or a magistrate requires a solid understanding of the law and the capacity to reason and apply sound judgement when it comes to legal issues. Moreover, you will need to have extensive legal experience and a high level of proficiency in the law and its underlying principles.

Additionally, you must have strong oral, interpersonal and written communication skills. Furthermore, there are number of personal qualities that are taken into consideration. To become a judge or a magistrate , you would need to exhibit good character, integrity, impartiality and social awareness. The Governor in council appoints judges and magistrates after recommendations by the NSW Attorney- General.

You can apply to become a judge or a magistrate by submitting an expression of interest in response to an advertised vacancy. Someone else can also nominateyou for the position of a judge or a magistrate. While the terms judges and magistrates are used interchangeably, there is actually a vast difference between the two. It is always a good idea to consult with a lawyerto get advice on how a magistrate or a judge may handle a particular matter. Although unpai can claim expenses, typically for travel to and from court.

Candidates must satisfy the Lord Chancellor that they meet six criteria: 1. Because of the need to maintain public confidence in the impartiality of the judiciary, people who work in certain occupations (for example, police officers) cannot become magistrates. Commitment and reliability. Recruitment takes place at different times from area to area, so it is important to check when it is happening in your area. Before deciding whether or not to apply, you need to visit a magistrates’ court to observe the magistrates sitting.

You will need to visit at least once (but preferably two or three times) when it is sitting in general session, in the months before you apply. Once they have been selecte all magistrates take the judicial oath – the same oath as that taken by judges. They are trained before starting to hear cases and throughout their careers as magistrates, and are appraised regularly. Employers are required by law to grant reasonable time off work for magistrates. However, many employers allow time off with pay for magistrates.

If you do suffer loss of earnings you may claim a loss allowance at a set rate. You can also claim allowances for travel and subsistence. They can hear cases in the criminal court, the family court, or both. Each case is usually heard by magistrates , including. Making Your Search Easier.

FastQuickSearch Provides Comprehensive Information About Your Query. Magistrates are not paid for their services. Written expressions of interest are invited from persons wishing to be considered for such positions. Bow to the magistrate when you enter the courtroom.

When entering and leaving the courtroom, it is polite to bow towards the magistrate or judge. Stand up when they enter and leave the courtroom. Let the orderly know you have arrived.

Tell the court orderly that you have arrived and that you are representing yourself, if you don’t have a lawyer. The SAT coverage is complete with the relevant costs extracts of the State Administrative Tribunal. Your licence will need to be granted by a magistrate and issued by a local clerk of court. At the state or county level, magistrate judges may also be called justices of the peace, municipal court judges, magistrates.

The Family Court of Western Australia is an integrated court, in that it combines the functions of a superior court and a lower court.