Transforming Summary Justice by Jenni Ward

Author:Jenni Ward [Ward, Jenni]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Social Science, General, Criminology
ISBN: 9781317539469
Google: NC8lDwAAQBAJ
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Published: 2016-11-10T06:03:56+00:00

I’m very proud and honoured to be a magistrate and I feel very, very upset at the changes, recent changes that have all been driven by finance, no other reason, that are making the job that we do less effective and will become more and more difficult to do in a challenging climate.

(Male, aged 68, 37 years’ service)

The high social status derived from serving in a judicial role and its contribution to shaping positive self-expression and identity were not likely to be forthcoming in the magistrates’ narratives since these are difficult sentiments to express. However, the social importance gained from the role was apparent. It was implicit in some comments that holding this judicial position provided an important sense of self-identity. This can be linked to the way positive identity is shaped through regular working lives. It was also evident in the conversations with the magistrates who were reaching retirement and the sense of identity loss that could be deduced among them. Ardichvili and Kuchinke (2009), in writing on the meanings of work and working, say that ‘work is found to offer useful meaning to life such as providing sources of identity, opportunities for achievement and determining standing within the larger community’ (ibid.: 155). Given that many of the magistrates were engaging in their magisterial work role as a supplement to their former working lives, it was obvious it functioned in useful ways to shaping a sense of self-worth, value and a positive self-identity. It could also be interpreted from some narratives the fact they were playing a role within the judicial system was a position of prestige, with one magistrate articulating a sense of importance in being a member of the magistracy. Even though it was said in a jocular way, he referred to it as ‘the most exclusive club in Ellerston’.

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