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North Yorkshire Magistrates |
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Photos (c) HMCS S Jefferson JP P Catterall JP Agreed terms and conditions(Acrobat Reader required)
Updated 12th July 2010
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Useful Links
Magistrates' Association
North Yorkshire Magistrates appointed in 2010
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Welcome to the website for North Yorkshire Magistrates Supported by The Magistrates' Association (North Yorkshire Branch) |
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The purpose of this site is to give members of the public an insight into what goes on in our courts, and about the work that we do as magistrates within North Yorkshire. You may have found our site for one of several reasons. Perhaps you have a general interest in the courts system, you have been summoned to court, or maybe you are interested in becoming a magistrate. We now have six courthouses, pictured on the left. If you click on the picture you will be open up a webpage relating specifically to that court. If you live in North Yorkshire no doubt one or more of the courthouses will be familiar to you. As magistrates we are local people from various walks of life recruited from within the community. The work we do in the courts is voluntary and we do not receive payment for this work, although we can claim travelling costs and meal expenses. We do our job to serve our community and to put something back into it. We respect law and order and do our utmost to dispense justice fairly. It is important that our work is respected, as we believe it is. We handle over 95% of criminal cases. Indeed, it could be said that magistrates are the backbone of the legal system. If you really want to find out what happens inside a magistrates' court then why not visit your local courthouse? The adult court is open to members of the public, including the press. Most courts start work at 10.00am. All you need to do is turn up at reception and you will be advised which court you may observe. Let the usher in the courtroom know that you wish to see what goes on so he or she is aware of your interest. Most of the courthouses in North Yorkshire have more than one courtroom - for instance Scarborough has four. To cover the many cases that we handle in the adult, youth and family courts we have around 80 magistrates serving Scarborough alone. When a magistrate is appointed and becomes a Justice of the Peace (JP) a Judicial Oath is taken. This states: "I John Smith swear by Almighty God that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth the Second in the office of Justice of the Peace and I will do right to all manner of people after the laws and usages of this realm without fear or favour, affection or ill will." In addition an Oath of Allegiance is also sworn: "I John Smith swear by Almighty God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Her Heirs and Successors, according to law." Magistrates appointed may affirm in accordance with their own faith. For example, members of the Muslim faith will omit the words "I swear by Almighty God" and substitute the words "I swear by Allah". The swearing in ceremony is a happy and proud occasion for new magistrates. Members of family or friends of the new magistrate are invited to attend. A certificate is signed and presented and the swearing in is always witnessed by long serving JPs or a Judge. Please use the links on the right if you wish to find out more about the work of a magistrate.
(c) This website has been
constructed and is updated on behalf of The Magistrates' Association
North Yorkshire Branch E-mail link to North Yorkshire Magistrates Association
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