23 March 2018
The Bristol Crown Court was the setting for the swearing in of 21 new Magistrates, or Justices of the Peace, for the local area covering courts in Bristol, Bath, Weston-super-Mare, Yeovil and Taunton. In a solemn ceremony, each newly appointed Magistrate swore two oaths of office before His Honour Michael Longman, the Magistrates’ Liaison Judge and Lord-Lieutenant Mrs Peaches Golding OBE. The first oath is of allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, while the second is to do what is right to all manner of people. In a brief address following the swearing in, Mrs Golding reminded the Magistrates of their promise to provide justice 'without fear or favour, affection or ill will.’ Magistrates are volunteers who are trained in the expectations of their role and provided with mentors to guide their early years at the Bench; they also rely on a legal adviser to give advice on the law and to make sure they use the right procedures. They hear cases in the courts in their community, ranging from keeping someone in custody to giving fines and custodial sentences of up to 12 months. If you wish to become a magistrate, please visit www.gov.uk/become-magistrate