Young people are being targeted

The government hopes to increase the number of new magistrates appointed each year, from 1,500 to 2,500.

A three-year recruitment campaign, costing �4m, will aim to break the virtual monopoly of middle-aged, middle-class white men on judicial appointments.

Currently there are 32,000 magistrates in England and Wales, with less than 4% under the age of 40.

The nationwide campaign will include radio, bus and newspaper advertising.

The government sees the recruitment of a more diverse judiciary as key to achieving its goal of closing the "justice gap".

It anticipates that more cases will be dealt with at magistrates' courts pushing up the number of cases to 1.2m from the current figure of just over 1m.

"That is why we need to re-double our efforts and recruit more magistrates, recruit younger magistrates, and increase the number of black and Asian justices, particularly in those cities and towns where they are under-represented," Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer said.

No experience necessary

To become a magistrate, also known as a Justice of the Peace, applicants need to demonstrate to recruitment panels that they have social awareness, integrity, good listening and communication skills, have the ability to relate to others, sound judgement and commitment.

Magistrates key facts 95% of criminal cases are dealt with by magistrates Magistrates also adjudicate in civil cases, such as custody battles The work is unpaid but expenses can be claimed Magistrate should sit for between 26 and 35 half days each year The Lord Chancellor will only appoint persons between the ages of 27 and 65 Traffic Wardens, Members of Parliament, bankrupts and members of HM forces are barred from sitting Source: Lord Chancellors office

No legal or professional qualifications are required.

The government will work with 90 Magistrates Advisory Committees in England and Wales in the marketing campaign.

In addition, people will be able to call a freephone helpline 0800 003007 for more information starting in November.

The government will continue to work closely with Operation Black Vote, which last year ran a magistrate shadowing scheme in seven areas.