LORD Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Rt. Hon Jack Straw MP, court officials and magistrates from across the country gathered recently at One Whitehall Place, Westminster to celebrate the success of the country’s only Magistrates Shadowing Scheme. The project aimed at changing the face of the magistracy is already witnessing success both in the numbers of Black and other minority ethnic (BME) magistrates and equally by engendering greater confidence from BME communities in the Judiciary. Hosted by the Rt. Hon Jack Straw MP, Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor, the Graduation Ceremony recognised the contributions and achievements of the participating courts, shadows and magistrates. Nearly 40 graduates from the OBV and Ministry of Justice Magistrates Shadowing Scheme have already been appointed as magistrates in cities across the country and a further 200 participants have indicated their desire to apply within the year. Another significant success has been the scheme’s ability to dramatically lower the average age of appointees from the scheme from 57 (average age of magistrate) to 35 (average age of graduate). A report in January by the Department for Communities and Local Government revealed that the ‘homogenous sociodemographic profile of judges’ was one of the main reasons those from BME backgrounds expected to be discriminated against by our courts.

Referring to the DCLG report, Rt. Hon Jack Straw MP, Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor said, “My concern is that such an expectation, however false it maybe, exists at all. That is where this scheme adds incredible value. By giving people from minority ethnic communities the opportunity to work alongside magistrates, exchange views and share experiences, the Scheme provides a window onto the judiciary and changes perceptions of the court system. Many Shadows no longer view the court system as a ‘them and us’ environment, but rather as an integral part of the wider community.

Magistrates are dedicated volunteers who deal with around 95% of all criminal cases. They are the epitome of justice in the community – they are from the community and for the community.

And, it is vitally important that magistrates represent the diverse communities they serve. Confidence in the justice system depends on it.”

The year’s scheme has included over 100 BME participants who have spent the last six months shadowing magistrates in courts around the country. The participants (shadows) observed court sessions to learn how magistrates make judgements and arrive at sentencing decisions.

Furthermore the important ambassadorial role ensures that many thousands learn about the magistracy, including being encouraged to apply. As part of their ambassadorial role the shadows have informed and inspired tens of thousands of BME individuals about the roles that they too can play within the magistracy.

Noorjahan Begum, a participant from the scheme said, “This was a fantastic scheme which really demystified the justice system and court structures. I particularly enjoyed being a Community Ambassador and want to continue to spread the word. I have applied to become a magistrate and hope that my example will serve to inspire others.”

Abiola Heyliger, a participant from the scheme said, “I am pursuing law, so the most beneficial aspect of the scheme was the exposure to the court structures and the ability to gain an insight into the decision making process.

I found it fascinating and a real privilege to have this opportunity. I intend to apply to become a magistrate and would encourage anyone else with an interest in the Law to consider becoming a magistrate.”

OBV and the Justice Secretary believe that the magistracy works best when all communities have confidence in it and when those passing judgement reflect the people they serve. Given that magistrates on average sit for 10 years, we are sure that this scheme will have a profound and sustained impact which will benefit all of society.

Simon Woolley, Director of OBV said, “At the graduation we truly witnessed a Barack Obama generation: BME men and women coming out of the shadows to take their place in civic society. Many will apply to become magistrates, all have promised to be advocates in encouraging individuals to apply and informing them about the workings of the courts. Everyone benefits from inclusive, representative local magistrates’ courts.