MAGISTRATE

RINA HORN

Becoming a magistrate is for community minded people. If you enjoy listening to all sides of an argument and solving disputes then you might like to consider becoming a magistrate. You will make a difference in your community and the benefits you gain as an individual could make a real difference in your carrier.

As a magistrate you help to uphold the law and you make your community a safer place to live. You can also help offenders to make good the damage they have done to others through their respective offences by getting them involved in unpaid community work and to be sentenced for their wrong-doings.

Magistrates are qualified and trained persons who deal with criminal cases, civil cases and family law cases. They sit in court and have decision making powers; they will speak in court and preside over the court proceedings.

The Magistrate’s Court is the central part of our system of justice and wherever you live in Namibia the chances are that there is a Magistrate’s Court nearby, it is there to serve the local community.

Magistrates listen to more than ninety-five percent (95%) of all criminal cases in the courts. They hear an account of the less serious cases and refer more serious cases such as rape or murder to the higher courts. They can issue search warrants, decide upon fines, and consider bail applications. They cannot usually order jail sentences of more than 5 years in the district courts and more than 20 years in the regional courts.