Require all new magistrates to hold a law degree or independent legal experience
With the Government planning to get rid of jury trials for crimes that carry a sentence below three years, we believe it should be required that new magistrates hold a law degree or some kind of legal experience that is independent from training provided by the Government.
Signatures
50
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 50/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 50/100,000
- 11 FEB 2026Petition opened for signaturesCreated by Seána McLaughlin
Background
We are concerned that a lack of legal knowledge and experience could result in the law being applied wrong. We believe there is a significant lack of work and work experience for law graduates, and this requirement could be an appropriate solution and benefit to a fair and impartial justice system.
This could also ensure magistrates have some kind of real knowledge and skills in how to interpret common law and apply the law correctly.