Today I attended the first training day in preparation for my new role as a justice of the peace. Magistrates’ courts in the UK deal with around 94% of the criminal cases and people from all walks of life are selected to be JPs. Following two gruelling interviews and then a swearing-in ceremony before a circuit judge I am to join another seven new entrants for the training programme in Caernarfon. I will have my first sitting as a JP in May but due to the nature of the work it will not be...