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  "path": "/2026/02/11/on-the-bench-why-magistrates-matter/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-02-11T09:08:33.000Z",
  "site": "https://insidehmcts.blog.gov.uk",
  "tags": [
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    "https://insidehmcts.blog.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/171/2026/02/05-02-2026-magistrates-podcast.mp3",
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  "textContent": "What does it take to sit on the bench and deliver justice? Less than you might think.\n\nNick balances his work as a driving instructor with 17 years of volunteering as a magistrate in Sheffield and he says it's one of the most rewarding things he's ever done.\n\nIn this episode of Inside HMCTS, he walks us through the reality of the role, working as a team, supported by a legal adviser and making decisions that genuinely improve lives. He shares how his employers have supported him, the skills he's brought back to his day job, and why anyone aged 18-74 should consider applying.\n\nFor more information visit: icanbeamagistrate.co.uk\n\nhttps://insidehmcts.blog.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/171/2026/02/05-02-2026-magistrates-podcast.mp3\n\nListen to the latest episode now, available wherever you get your podcasts from!\n\nAmazon\n\nApple\n\nBuzzsprout\n\nSpotify\n\nA transcript of the podcast is also available.",
  "title": "On the bench: Why magistrates matter",
  "updatedAt": "2026-02-11T09:08:42.000Z"
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