In a bold move to tackle the mounting backlog of criminal cases, the UK government is calling on everyday citizens to step forward and become magistrates, offering a unique opportunity to directly contribute to the nation's justice system.

The Ministry of Justice announced an ambitious recruitment drive targeting 2,000 new volunteer magistrates across England and Wales, building on the success of over 2,000 magistrates already trained since 2022.

Justice Secretary David Lammy emphasized the critical role these volunteers play, stating, "Magistrates are everyday heroes who hear thousands of cases across every jurisdiction. We need more people of every age and background to volunteer."

The need is urgent: current court backlogs have reached a staggering 79,600 criminal cases, with projections suggesting this could escalate to 100,000 by 2028. The delays are so significant that serious crimes charged in 2026 might not see trial until 2030, leaving victims and suspects in prolonged uncertainty.

Interested volunteers will be expected to commit at least 13 days annually, hearing cases across criminal, youth, civil, and family proceedings. The current magistrate pool is diverse, with 57% being female and 14% from ethnic minority backgrounds - with London leading at 31% representation.

While the Magistrates' Association welcomed the recruitment drive as a "big vote of confidence," they also called for additional resources, including legal advisers and court infrastructure improvements.

For those considering this civic opportunity, the Justice Secretary offers an inspiring invitation: "Volunteering to become a magistrate can make a real difference to your life and the lives of others - I'm calling on the public to apply and play your part."