
On the bench: Why magistrates matter
From Inside HMCTS by HM Courts & Tribunals Service
February 11, 2026 · 12 min · Season 1 · Episode 21
About this episode
Nick shares his experiences as a magistrate and the impact of the role on the community.
What does it take to sit on the bench and deliver justice? Less than you might think. Nick balances his work as a driving instructor with 17 years of volunteering as a magistrate in Sheffield and he says it's one of the most rewarding things he's ever done. In this episode of Inside HMCTS, he walks us through the reality of the role, working as a team, supported by a legal adviser and making decisions that genuinely improve lives. He shares how his employers have supported h...
People in this episode
Guest: Nick
Topics covered
- magistrates
- justice
- volunteering
- community service
- legal system
Keywords
- magistrate
- justice
- volunteering
- Sheffield
- legal adviser
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: HM Courts & Tribunals Service
Places: Sheffield
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