Overview
Magistrates hear criminal matters to determine whether defendants will be committed for trial, and adjudicate minor criminal offences without a jury.
Day-to-day
- hears and evaluates arguments and evidence in civil and criminal summary matters
- decides penalties and sentences within statutory limits, such as fines, bonds and detention, awards damages in civil matters, and issues court orders.
Considerations
- Stressful
To become a Magistrate
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Magistrates are usually appointed by a State or Federal Governor or Attorney-General. To be eligible, you need to have completed a law degree and have been licensed to practise law for a minimum of eight years.
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Registration or licencing may be required.