For some magistrates being able to metaphorically strut around squawking their JP status like a peacock wooing a peahen is their primary interest in serving our justice system. On my bench which numbered about 300 I would estimate by conversations over many years perhaps 10% were not unhappy to demonstrate their "status" as being what they considered a perk of the job. For my own part even my neighbours didn`t know I was a magistrate until it became known after my retirement which brings me to the position of magistrates when they leave the bench at 75 or younger as might be the case. They are automatically moved on to the supplemental list. This transition allows them continual use of the suffix JP but removes virtually all the previous powers and privileges.
Magistrates on the supplemental list may not:
- sit in a magistrates’ court to adjudicate on cases
- sign summonses or warrants, including search warrants
- be a member of any committee or any other body as a magistrate
- take part in the election of chairman or deputy chairman of any bench
- attend any formal or business meeting of their former bench
- countersign an application for a shotgun or firearms licence
- sign off statutory declarations.
However, and it`s a big however, such retired magistrates are still subject to all the do`s and don`ts issued by the Lord Chancellor. There must be very many who are unaware of those prohibitions or choose to ignore them as being irreplaceable enhancements to their own egos. Such was the case of Reverend Terence Young JP.
There are amongst all occupations and/or professions those whose ego outperforms their abilities. They do not have to be retired to be caught in the spotlight. They are all around us their self aggrandisement to be pricked before harming those around them.
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