Across the United States and the United Kingdom, the role of magistrates is once again in the spotlight, with new appointments and ambitious recruitment drives aiming to shore up justice systems struggling with backlogs and evolving public expectations. In early January 2026, both South Dakota and Ohio saw the appointment of new magistrates, while the UK government launched a major campaign to enlist thousands more volunteer magistrates in England and Wales.
On January 2, 2026, the South Dakota Supreme Court announced the appointment of Amber Whittington as a magistrate judge for the Second Judicial Circuit, which includes Minnehaha and Lincoln Counties, according to KELO.com. Whittington’s journey is a testament to the value of local roots and public service—she was raised in Yankton, graduated from Mount Marty University, and earned her law degree at the University of South Dakota. Before her appointment, Whittington worked as a criminal defense attorney in the Minnehaha County Public Defender’s Office, gaining hands-on experience with the very issues she’ll now help adjudicate from the bench.
Meanwhile, in Sidney, Ohio, a parallel story unfolded. Judge Jeffrey Beigel of the Shelby County Probate and Juvenile Courts appointed Robert Vaughn as court magistrate, effective January 2, 2026, as reported by the Sidney Daily News. Vaughn’s career has spanned a wide spectrum of legal roles: from clerk of The Supreme Court of Ohio to staff attorney, law clerk, university professor, private practitioner, and even Clark County Juvenile Court Judge, a position he was appointed to in 2017. Vaughn’s diverse background, combined with his experience as a juvenile court administrator, positions him well to handle the complexities of Shelby County’s probate and juvenile matters. Judge Beigel expressed confidence in Vaughn’s impact, stating, “It is a pleasure to welcome Magistrate Robert Vaughn. The Court and community will undoubtedly benefit from his extensive legal background and experience. We are looking forward to working with him.”
While these individual appointments reflect the ongoing renewal of local judicial leadership in the U.S., a much larger effort is underway across the Atlantic. On January 3, 2026, the UK government launched a sweeping initiative to recruit thousands of new volunteer magistrates in England and Wales, aiming to address the mounting crown court backlog. According to the BBC and Independent, more than 2,000 magistrates have already been trained since 2022, and the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) now seeks to add another 2,000 within the next financial year.
The urgency behind this recruitment drive is clear: the criminal courts in England and Wales are facing a record backlog of over 79,600 cases as of early 2026, with projections indicating that the number could hit 100,000 by 2028. The delays are not just an administrative headache—they have real consequences for victims and suspects alike. For some serious crimes charged in 2026, it could be years before cases even reach trial, with some unlikely to be heard before 2030. Justice Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy emphasized the critical role of magistrates, describing them as “everyday heroes” and stating, “We need more people of every age and background to volunteer.”
Lammy has not shied away from proposing bold reforms. In December 2025, he announced plans to overhaul the criminal courts, including increasing magistrates’ sentencing powers from 12 to 18 months’ imprisonment—and potentially up to 24 months if necessary. In a move that has sparked both support and controversy, the reforms also propose removing juries from some trials to expedite the justice process and introducing swift courts within crown courts for single judges to hear cases. The aim is clear: cut through the backlog and deliver justice faster, but not everyone is convinced this is the right path.
“Magistrates play a vital role in our court system—hearing thousands of cases across every jurisdiction and delivering justice,” Lammy said, according to The Independent. “Volunteering to become a magistrate can make a real difference to your life and the lives of others—that’s why I’m calling on the public to apply and play your part.”
The Magistrates’ Association welcomed the recruitment push as a “big vote of confidence” in magistrates but underscored the pressing need for more resources. “We need enough trained, well-paid legal advisers and repairs for crumbling court buildings,” the Association argued, highlighting that recruitment alone cannot solve all the system’s woes.
Demographically, the magistracy in England and Wales is already diverse by some measures: 57% of magistrates are female, and 14% come from ethnic minority backgrounds, with London boasting the highest proportion at 31%. The MoJ is seeking candidates with strong communication skills, a sense of fairness, and the ability to see arguments from different sides. Magistrates are expected to volunteer at least 13 days a year, presiding over cases in criminal, youth, civil, and family proceedings, and are supported by specialist legal advisers.
Not everyone is convinced that the government’s approach addresses the root problems. Shadow justice minister Kieran Mullan offered a blunt critique: “David Lammy’s record as Justice Secretary is calamitous. Court backlogs have soared under his watch. Now he is pushing plans to scrap jury trials, threatening one of the cornerstones of our legal system. This is reckless and risks undermining public confidence. Recruiting thousands of new magistrates is welcome—but it cannot paper over the failings of a Justice Secretary and Labour Government that has consistently failed to deliver meaningful reform.”
While the debate continues in Westminster, the need for more magistrates is not in question. All sides agree that a functioning, fair, and efficient justice system depends on having enough well-qualified people to hear cases and deliver decisions. The government’s drive for diversity and community representation echoes this sentiment, with Lammy urging people from all walks of life to step forward. “We need more people of every age and background to volunteer,” he said, emphasizing the importance of reflecting the communities magistrates serve.
Back in the U.S., the appointments of Whittington in South Dakota and Vaughn in Ohio serve as reminders of the ongoing work to strengthen local courts. Both bring a wealth of experience and a commitment to public service, qualities that are equally prized in the UK’s new recruitment push. Whether through high-profile campaigns or quiet individual appointments, the message is clear: the future of the justice system depends on those willing to serve—sometimes as volunteers, sometimes as career professionals, but always as stewards of fairness and the rule of law.
As the year unfolds, these appointments and initiatives will shape how justice is delivered on both sides of the Atlantic, with the hope that renewed energy and fresh perspectives can help clear backlogs and restore public confidence in the courts.
