EVER thought about serving the community by becoming a magistrate and dispensing justice? The north-east London area advisory committee for the Department of Constitutional Affairs is running a campaign to recruit new Justices of the Peace...

EVER thought about serving the community by becoming a magistrate and dispensing justice?

The north-east London area advisory committee for the Department of Constitutional Affairs is running a campaign to recruit new Justices of the Peace from Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Newham, Waltham Forest, Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham and Havering to hear criminal cases in courts serving those boroughs.

It may come as a surprise, but magistrates are ordinary men and women of all backgrounds and ages, who share a common belief in giving something back to their communities, are able to listen to all sides of the argument, assess evidence and make fair and reasonable decisions.

They decide on bail applications, listen to evidence, pass sentence and enforce fines.

On a typical day they might sentence a self-confessed alcoholic to three months in prison for driving a motor vehicle when unfit, hear the trial of a man on theft and assault charges, or look at the reasons why a teenager has been caught stealing.

For further information,, or an application pack contact the north-east London advisory committee at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 020 8989 2570, or email gl-neadvisorycommittee@hmcourts-service.gsi.gov.uk