Fozia Sadiq

OBV's rallying call for individuals from the capital's Black communities to seriously consider becoming magistrates was fantastically responded to at a conference in London last Saturday.

More than 200 individuals sacrificed part of their weekend to learn about why they should consider becoming a magistrate and the process of becoming one. OBV received an overwhelming response from those wanting to attend the seminar. But over 100 enthusiastic applications had to be turned down because of space constraints.

OBV's Merlene Carrington, herself a graduate of the scheme and now a sitting magistrate, organised the event that that inspires confidence in those considering the magistracy and offers on-going support to individuals who will apply.

Deputy Chair of the Magistrates Association John Fassenfelt gave a detailed overview of the magistracy and the life of a magistrate. His own enthusiasm helped convey what inner workings of the justice system in a way gave the delegates a thorough understanding of the importance of such a civic-community role.

Over a dozen other magistrates were on hand to help with the break-out sessions, answering the delegates questions and queries.

But it was perhaps testimonies from previous attendees who are now magistrates, that most enthused the 200 strong audience. Fozia Sadiq JP and Emir Feisal JP both gave heartfelt testimony about their enjoyment of the work as dispensers of justice. The theme of their message was very much, 'if not us, then who, if not now, then when' encouraging the audience not to rely on others to effect change but to be the positive change themselves.

Fozia said, "I'd heard about OBV and these possibilities through my network. And although I thought I had some knowledge of the criminal justice system, I'd never considered myself magistrate material. But OBV gave me the confidence to believe in myself and now I'm there. It's great, I feel I can and am making my contribution to the community."

To date, more than 50 JPs have been appointed through OBV's Shadowing Schemes. A series of free seminars will take place in 2010. To register, please e-mail mag @obv.org.uk