A magistrate who referred to her judicial office in the context of a private dispute has been issued with formal advice for misconduct.
Lisa Peters, of the Shropshire bench, was brought to book for alluding to the role in an email. A spokesperson for the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office said: ‘Magistrates sign a declaration and undertaking on appointment, which includes an agreement to be circumspect in their conduct and maintain the dignity, standing and good reputation of the magistracy at all times, in their private, working and public lives.’
Magistrates are also warned ‘that great care should be taken to avoid personal reference to their position as a magistrate where it could be perceived as an attempt to influence or gain advantage’.
Peters denied misconduct. She said she referred to her magistrate status only as background information and ‘did not seek to influence the dispute or misuse her judicial office’.
In her representations, Peters ‘highlighted her long-standing judicial service and commitment to judicial standards’.
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An investigation found Peters had deliberately referred to her status as a magistrate ‘in circumstances where it could be perceived as adding weight to her position’. Peters was found to have had a lapse of judgement of limited scope, but failed to appreciate how the reference might be perceived by others.
Peters, who had an unblemished disciplinary record and had made a ‘significant contribution to the magistracy’, was found to have breached her declaration and undertaking.
Mr Justice Keehan, on behalf of the lady chief justice and the lord chancellor, issued Peters with formal advice for misconduct.
