Do Magistrates Believe the Defendant or the Police?

A common fear for anyone facing magistrates’ court is whether they will be believed. Many defendants worry that the magistrates will automatically side with the police or prosecution, making it feel like the odds are already stacked against them. The truth is more balanced — but it depends on how you present your case.

Magistrates are trained to be impartial. They are not there to assume guilt or take sides. They must decide the case based on the evidence presented in court and nothing else. That said, police officers often give evidence in a clear and structured way, and their statements are usually written professionally. This can carry weight — especially if the defendant comes across as emotional, disorganised, or vague.

Being believed is about more than who you are. It’s about how you come across in court. Are you calm, respectful, and focused on the facts? Do you answer questions clearly and admit when you don’t know something? Have you prepared properly and brought relevant evidence to support your version of events?

Magistrates do not want to convict innocent people. But if it’s your word against a police officer’s, your credibility matters. That means consistency, structure, and relevance. Avoid blaming, exaggerating, or getting defensive. Focus on what happened, not just how you feel about it. You can also learn more about how to represent yourself in magistrates’ court if you're going without a solicitor.

If you're worried about how you will come across or how the court might view your evidence, Magistrate Review can help. We provide impartial, structured case reviews from a serving magistrate so you can understand how your case may be received and how to prepare accordingly.

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