News / Bristol Magistrates Court
‘It was the lack of representation in the criminal justice system’
Recognition that the criminal justice system fails to reflect the community it serves prompted Sandra Gordon to be the change she wanted to see.
The radio presenter and campaigner is one of eight black, Asian and ethnic minority (BAME) people that were sworn in as magistrates for Avon and Somerset on Friday.
Their enrollment is a step in the right direction towards re-dressing the current lack of diversity on the bench, which remains disproportionately white and middle class. Figures released in 2018 revealed that only four per cent of magistrates in the South West identified as BAME.
is needed now More than ever
Sandra is encouraging others from diverse backgrounds to apply to be magistrates
“We are seeing people of all different ages and backgrounds in the courts and we really want the magistrates to reflect that,” explains Sandra, who co-founded the Rise Awards, is vice chair of the Bristol Commission on Race Equality and works for Bristol Women’s Voice.
“I think people have this idea that you have to be a lawyer, but you don’t need to be a lawyer, it’s common sense.”
A number of the new magistrates came through Bristol City Council’s Stepping Up Programme, aimed at improving representation in leadership roles across the city. It is a voluntary role and magistrates are asked to commit to 13 days a year.
Speaking about why she put herself forward, Sandra continued: “For me, it was the lack of representation in the criminal justice system. I started working on the commission and looking at statistics around the over-representation of black people in prison, but under-representation in courts.
“You have to put yourself forward. Some BAME people going through the courts will plead not guilty because they think they will have a better chance in front of peers than a panel of magistrates. There is then a knock-on effect.
“It’s about BAME people having trust in the justice system.”
Abdul says being a magistrate is a positive way of engaging with the system
Business owner and chair of Easton’s Jamia Mosque Abdul Malik is another of the new cohort of magistrates to have gone through the rigorous recruitment process.
“I’m looking for a new challenge,” he tells Bristol24/7.
“Magistrates can make society better or worse. I feel this is one of those important volunteering roles and there could be a huge difference with the number of BAME people coming forward, and also more young people.”
Magistrates should be between the ages of 18 and 65. Nationally, 86 per cent are aged 50 or above and just one per cent fall into the 18 – 29 age bracket, according to the latest figures.
Speaking about the selection process, Abdul admits it was not easy going through the rigorous application procedure and lengthy interviews, but he says it was well worth it.
“I think it’s a really positive way of engaging with the system to make it better and make sure you are doing your bit,” he tells Bristol24/7, pointing out that many of Bristol’s communities are still underrepresented in the city’s institutions, including the courts.
“I’m ready for any type of negative stereotype because I want to change it and that’s the way I look at it,” says Abdul.
“I think it’s important that we have enough people questioning and challenging and reforming so they [institutions] are representative of the community.”
He adds that role models are vitally important and argues that the system itself needs to change, because the way it is currently set up means it inevitably attracts people with the time and resources to volunteer. Vast chunks feel excluded from the outset.
“The best thing we can do is have the right people at a decision-making level,” concludes Abdul.
Sandra is hopeful that the group sworn in on Friday will encourage others from diverse backgrounds to see the magistrate’s bench as something for them.
“I would definitely encourage more BAME people to apply,” she says. “That’s the only way we can increase representation.
“Don’t be afraid of going through the process. If you’ve never been to a magistrates’ court, go to one – they are public. It’s a great way just to go and see what the process is and just see whether or not it’s for you.
“There is a lack of visual role models in the court system. Don’t wait until you’re retired and have loads of time because we need that representation now.”
Main image: (L-R) Dr Carol Johnson JP, deputy bench chair for magistrates across Avon and Somerset, and Sandra Gordon. Photo by James Beck.
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