A federal magistrate judge is a federal judge who serves in a South Africa district court. Magistrate judges are assigned duties by the district judges in the district in which they serve.
Do magistrates judges get paid?
Magistrates are not paid for their services. However, many employers allow time off with pay for magistrates. If you do suffer loss of earnings you may claim a loss allowance at a set rate. You can also claim allowances for travel and subsistence.
Can anyone be a magistrate?
A bachelor’s degree and experience in legal matters is the minimum requirement for a magistrate position. In practice, the magistrate will have completed a law degree (Juris Doctor) program.
What are the duties of a magistrate?
The Magistrate serves in the Judicial Department and reports to the Administrative Judge. The Magistrate presides over civil matters referred by the judges of the Court, including hearings and trials, and prepares opinions, decisions, and entries in resolution of these matters.
Career Requirements
| Degree Level | Juris Doctor (JD) |
| Degree Field | Law |
| Experience | Several years’ experience as a lawyer or in legal proceedings |
| Licensure | State license to practice law |
| Key Skills | Listening, reading, writing, decision-making, and critical-thinking skills; extensive knowledge of state and federal law and an understanding of legal precedents |
| Salary | R 1164433.98(median for all magistrate judges) |
Below are steps to Become A Magistrate Judge In South Africa
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
To be accepted into law school, an individual must first obtain a bachelor’s degree. Undergraduate students who plan to go to law school can earn their bachelor’s degree in any field, but the American Bar Association notes that traditional undergraduate fields of study for aspiring lawyers emphasize research, analysis, critical reading, communication, public speaking, and writing skills.
Step 2: Complete Law School
It usually takes three years to complete law school and earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Law school students are often required to complete certain core classes, such as criminal law and legal ethics. Students choose the bulk of their law school courses in accordance with their career goals or preferred field of law studies.
Step 3: Become a Lawyer
Not all states require magistrate judges to become lawyers prior to becoming judges. However, federal magistrate judges do have to be lawyers first.
To become a lawyer requires earning a JD degree from an accredited institution and becoming licensed through the state. The licensing process requires passing the state’s legal bar exam in each state a person wants to practice law.
Step 4: Gain Political Support
The position of magistrate judge is often an appointed or elected position. Legal professionals who want to become magistrate judges may want to consider obtaining political support early on, although it is not required.
Professionals can obtain political support in many ways, such as by networking with political parties, supporting community law enforcement, or affiliating with nonprofit organizations.
Step 5: Obtain and Maintain a Magistrate Judge Position
Upon becoming a magistrate judge, individuals may have to complete continuing education courses every few years in order to maintain judgeship positions. Likewise, to maintain law licenses, many state bar associations have license renewal requirements that may include completing paperwork, paying fees, and participating in continuing education programs.
How long does it take to become a magistrate in South Africa?
Before prospective magistrates are appointed as permanent magistrates, they must first successfully complete a course at Justice College, the training Department of Justice, and thereafter complete 6 months practical training.
How do I become a magistrate in South Africa?
In order to qualify as a magistrate you need to have an LLB degree as a minimum requirement. Judges preside over criminal, civil and constitutional matters in the High Courts, Supreme Court of Appeal and the Constitutional Court. They are appointed by the President on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission.
Do magistrates judges get paid In South Africa?
Magistrates are not paid for their services. However, many employers allow time off with pay for magistrates. If you do suffer loss of earnings you may claim a loss allowance at a set rate. You can also claim allowances for travel and subsistence.
What are the duties of a magistrate In South Africa?
The Magistrate serves in the Judicial Department and reports to the Administrative Judge. The Magistrate presides over civil matters referred by the judges of the Court, including hearings and trials, and prepares opinions, decisions, and entries in resolution of these matters.
Is a magistrate the same as a judge In South Africa?
They can hear different types of cases. Judges generally hear larger, more complex cases while magistrates hear smaller matters such as petty crime and traffic offenses.
Do you need a legal qualification to be a magistrate In South Africa?
What qualifications do you need to become a magistrate? No formal or legal qualifications are required but magistrates need intelligence, common sense, integrity and the capacity to act fairly.
How old is the youngest judge in South Africa?
32 years old
She was appointed to the Judge White Commission by President Mandela in 1995. Then, in 1999, she was appointed to the High Court of South Africa, making her the youngest judge in the country at 32 years old and also making her the first black female judge in her province.
What is the difference between a judge and a magistrate in South Africa?
A A Judge is a presiding officer in a Superior Court and a Magistrate presides over matters in a Regional or District Magistrates’ Court. A Magistrates are appointed by the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services on the advise of the Magistrates Commission.