Hello! This week we’re looking at the role of Magistrates in our justice system. Little is widely known about the volunteer system which presides over 90% of criminal cases, and as the government launches a campaign to get 4,000 new magistrates to apply, we find out how what more can be done to raise awareness and increase diversity. We’re joined by chair of the Young Magistrates Network, Luke Rigg, criminal lawyer Raj Chada and Penelope Gibbs, founder of Transform Justice. Email your comments, questions and episode ideas to reasons@cheerfulpodcast.com or at www.cheerfulpodcast.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.