19-year-old University of Huddersfield Law student becomes magistrate

A 19-year-old Law student at the University of Huddersfield has trained to become a magistrate, becoming the youngest member of the South Yorkshire bench.

Aaron Hodgkiss from Huddersfield, who is in the second year of the LLB course, has recently completed the necessary training and taken the oath in the South Yorkshire local justice area, where he now sits as part of a panel of three magistrates.

Aaron, who at the end of his first year was awarded a prize for achieving the highest grades, said he was looking for another volunteering opportunity when a family member suggested becoming a magistrate.

This appealed to him as a fantastic way to see the law in action and gain courtroom experience ahead of a future legal career.

He intends to fulfil the responsibilities of the role during breaks in his University course, such as the summer holidays.

The former Greenhead College student and football referee for the Huddersfield and District League explained how he was told during his training that he would be the youngest serving Magistrate in South Yorkshire.

He said: ”Whilst studying at University, I saw volunteering as a magistrate as a valuable opportunity to give back to the local community and to develop key transferable skills. The minimum commitment required is 13 full days a year, so the role fits easily with my studies and my part-time work as a grassroots football referee. I am looking forward to continuing serving in the Magistracy, and I encourage anyone who is interested in becoming a magistrate to take the opportunity.”

Dr Natalie Gibson, Course Leader for Undergraduate Law and Law with Criminology at the University of Huddersfield, added: “Aaron's appointment as a magistrate at just 19 years of age is a remarkable achievement. It demonstrates the value of being proactive in seeking out opportunities to learn and develop beyond his university studies. taking the initiative to pursue an opportunity that will allow him to put his interest in law into practice whilst contributing to his local community.

“As a Law School, we want our students to develop not only their legal knowledge but also their understanding of how the justice system works in practice and the difference they can make in society. Aaron’s achievement is a great example of this, and we are delighted to see him taking this step so early in his legal journey.”

Magistrates are unpaid volunteers who help deliver justice in their local communities. Sitting as part of a panel of three and supported by a legal adviser, they hear criminal and family cases, make decisions on guilt or innocence and impose sentences where appropriate.

No legal qualifications are required to become a magistrate. Instead, applicants are selected for qualities such as fairness, good judgement and an understanding of people and society. Magistrates receive training and ongoing support throughout their service. The role is open to those aged 18 to 74.