Government to recruit thousands of volunteer magistrates to tackle court backlog

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"A significant recruitment drive has been launched across England and Wales, aiming to enlist thousands of new volunteer magistrates to accelerate justice for victims. The new year initiative follows government reforms aimed at tackling the persistent crown court backlog. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) noted over 2,000 magistrates trained since 2022, with this latest push targeting another 2,000 volunteers within the next financial year. Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy underscored their importance, stating: "Magistrates play a vital role in our court system hearing thousands of cases across every jurisdiction and delivering justice." They are everyday heroes and we need more people of every age and background to volunteer not just to deliver justice but to serve and represent their local communities. Volunteering to become a magistrate can make a real difference to your life and the lives of others that's why I'm calling on the public to apply and play your part."

A nationwide recruitment drive across England and Wales aims to enlist thousands of volunteer magistrates to accelerate justice and address the crown court backlog. The Ministry of Justice reports over 2,000 magistrates trained since 2022 and targets another 2,000 volunteers in the next financial year. Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy emphasized magistrates' role in hearing thousands of cases and urged people of all ages and backgrounds to apply. Separately, a news organization solicits donations to fund investigative reporting, keep journalism free of paywalls, and maintain journalists on the ground covering major topics.

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