Usman Rasul, a Pakistani man, is an optometrist living in Burnley. After always being interested in the legal sector, he has worked as a magistrate for the last 7 years in the Lancashire & Cumbria area. On his role as a magistrate, Usman says: “Without any formal experience in the legal sector, I was worried I might not be able to be a magistrate but you really don’t need any specific qualifications – I got all the training I needed. I love travelling to court and having the privilege to create positive change for my local community while learning new skills and enjoying new challenges.” In an exclusive interview with Asian Voice, he spoke more about his career, the British judicial system and more.
Q - What inspired you to take up the magistracy as a professional?
Firstly I was encouraged by my mother who is also a magistrate. She gave me great support in applying and information about the role beforehand, which gave me a good deal of insight into what I would expect as a magistrate. There was an active campaign to recruit new magistrates, particularly from a BAME background. One of the main reasons I inquired about the role was because of the repetitive nature of my current role as an optometrist, and law attracted me as a new challenge as it is a completely different sector.
Q - What are the lesser-known prerequisites that one must keep in mind before joining the judicial system?
No previous criminal convictions. To ensure one does not hold any prejudicial or bias against any individual.
Q - As a person who belongs to the ethnic minority community, what do you bring to the table which your other counterparts may not?
Experience, diversity, representation and understanding of cultural differences and norms. For example as a Muslim British-Pakistani, our values complement the judicial system. In respect of experience, as a young magistrate with diverse professional and life experience, growing up in an economically deprived area like Burnley, I feel my personal upbringing and experiences add value to the magistracy. With respect to diversity and representation, the magistracy currently holds a low proportion of magistrates from diverse communities. To ensure the magistracy reflects the communities it serves, it requires magistrates from various backgrounds and cultures to join in order to reflect the proportional representation of our society. Furthermore, individuals who present themselves in court will visibly see people who relate to them and this will continue to add confidence to ensure justice is being served fairly. From a magistracy point of view, personally knowing cultural norms and values can also allow one to share those norms and values with other magistrates who may not be as exposed to them. By discussing them in the retiring room or on the bench, one can help them understand how certain decisions or actions may have arisen.
Q - Do you think the South Asian perception of the judiciary matches the British justice system?
This a particularly challenging question as I can not comment on what the south Asian perception is without any key data or facts. From my personal experience, it is important the South Asian community feels that it has full confidence in the independence, fairness, reputation and representation of the British judicial system. Overall in my view, the British judicial system is well respected and viewed across the globe and I hope by serving the magistracy I can continue to upload this view.
Q - How has your experience been while serving as a magistrate?
Very positive. I can not think of any negative experiences. I have been continually supported fully by mentors, senior magistrates and Bench Chairpersons. I feel I do add value and experience to the magistracy, by providing my views and opinions when making a judicial decision which can influence and add balance to the outcome of decisions. I sit in both adult and family Courts and really enjoy both. I sit with magistrates with different levels of life and professional experiences, which allows the learning and sharing of experiences.
Q - What is your key takeaway from British law?
Independence and fairness. As mentioned previously, British law is very well respected across the globe.
The judiciary is independent and therefore not influenced by either Government or media input. For example, as government ministers change and hold different opinions, this should not affect and influence independence. Also as media outlets voice opinions and can sway public views, it is important they do not attempt to discredit the judicial system.
Q - What the are challenges of your role?
There are two key challenges; firstly to ensure I complete the number of sittings per year for both the adult and family court, whilst continuing to work, volunteer and have a family life! For example, school holidays and work commitments can sometimes mean you are not available for some parts e.g. summer or Christmas holidays. Secondly recruiting new individuals into the magistracy can be challenging, as there are various misconceptions for example one needs a law degree, it is a paid position etc. In the current economic climate, giving up time, and volunteering is a big ask due to the financial impact it can make on individuals. Communicating the benefits and impact one can make to the judicial system, one can make a convincing argument about the rewards of being a part of the magistracy!
www.icanbeamagistrate.co.uk