A wide-ranging outreach campaign to recruit 300 local people to the new judicial post of Lay Magistrate has been launched by Lord Filkin CBE, the Minister responsible for the courts in Northern Ireland.

The Northern Ireland Criminal Justice Review recommended the creation of a new office of Lay Magistrate in order to forge stronger links between the courts and the communities which they serve, and to enhance public confidence and understanding of the criminal justice system.

Speaking at the launch of the Lay Magistrates recruitment campaign, Lord Filkin said: “I want to encourage people with a wide range of skills and experiences from every background to apply and to make a positive contribution to justice in Northern Ireland.”

Following a training programme, Lay Magistrates will work with legally-qualified Resident Magistrates, and will make important decisions concerning the lives of young people in Youth Courts and Family Proceedings Courts in Northern Ireland.

Lay Magistrates will deal with criminal offences in Youth Court cases. In Family Proceedings cases they will decide on a range of issues effecting families including the welfare, custody, care and protection of children and young persons.

In addition to meeting the statutory eligibility requirements, Lay Magistrates will need to possess key personal qualities which will be tested during the selection process. These are: good character; understanding and communication; social awareness; maturity and sound temperament; sound judgement; and commitment and reliability.

Recruitment and selection will take place throughout the Summer, with initial appointments made by the end of the year.

The Lay Magistrates will undergo a comprehensive training programme prior to taking up their roles in April 2005.

(MB)