Learn about magistrates
Magistrates make many of the legal decisions in England and Wales.
We exist to help the magistracy be its best for all of society
We're the only membership body and independent voice for magistrates. We promote the sound administration of the law, campaign on policy and practice relating to the magistracy, provide support and development guidance to magistrates, and inform the public about the magistracy and the justice system
4 November 2025
Family court matters Practicalities of being a magistrate
Trustees' Week 2025: What it means to be a trustee
To celebrate Trustees' Week, Tracy Sortwell JP tells us about her role as a trustee at the MA and what she’s passionate about.
28 October 2025
Adult court matters Family court matters Youth court matters
Latest Updates for Magistrates: October 2025
Read our latest updates from across the justice system. This month we look at the public understanding of sentencing, youth justice out of court disposals and the Family Court Review and Reporting Mechanism (FCRRM) pilot. Just for MA members.
24 October 2025
Diversity, disparity and inclusion
Breaking Barriers in the City of London
MA member Andrew Phillips JP has served as a magistrate for almost 15 years. In this blog, he shares his recent appointment as the first Black West Indian-born Master of the Worshipful Company of Firefighters. This piece originally appeared in the Black History Month UK 2025 magazine.
21 October 2025
Diversity, disparity and inclusion Practicalities of being a magistrate Wider justice system
Challenges and Opportunities for Magistrates from Black, Asian and global majority backgrounds
In this blog, MA member Sarah Sawyerr JP (Black, Asian and global majority network representative on the MA's Diversity and inclusion committee) shares her reflections on the MA's recent event highlighting the challenges and opportunities for magistrates from Black, Asian and global majority backgrounds.
Where would you like to go?
Here are some pages you might like to visit
Visit MA learn
We provide tools to develop magistrates’ knowledge and skills. Our member-only learning hub, MA learn, contains more than 200 high-quality resources.
Search our publications library
Browse our advocacy reports, briefing notes, consultation responses and position statements published to support our policy work.
Get updates on news and influencing
We advocate on behalf of our members and inform others about the vital role of the magistracy.
Get involved
Attend an event, join a diversity and inclusion network, participate in our community outreach initiative, volunteer for us, recruit a new member or leave us a gift.
Upcoming events
- In person
- Lancaster
Conference 2025 – Lancaster
£40.00 - £65.00
Join us at Lancaster University on Saturday 22 November for the Magistrates’ Association’s national conference and AGM. This year’s theme — The voice of victims: is the balance right? — brings together leading voices from across the justice system. Expect keynote speeches, breakout discussions, networking, and more.
- Online
Independent Monitoring Board Webinar
The Independent Monitoring Boards (IMBs) play a vital role in ensuring that people in prisons, immigration removal centres, and short-term holding facilities are treated fairly and with dignity.
This webinar offers a unique opportunity to learn more about the work of IMB volunteers and understand how you could make a meaningful difference.
Retired Member Christmas Lunch
Our upcoming retired members’ event will be the annual Christmas lunch on Tuesday 16 December 2025. The Bunch of Grapes in London has been booked from 12.30-4pm. We anticipate this will be an afternoon full of good food, conversation and Christmas cheer.
Our year in numbers
Between July 2022 and June 2023, we've been busy influencing on behalf of and building opportunities for our members to learn, develop and connect.
1
new learning hub with 200 top-notch resources launched
10
webinars on topics from domestic abuse to community sentencing held
11
consultation responses and two advocacy reports published
3
parliamentary committee appearances completed
5
meetings with ministers held to influence on behalf of our members
6
issues of Magistrate magazine published
316
pieces of digital, print and broadcast media coverage landed
178228
website visitors secured
95823
people reached on LinkedIn
421200
people reached on X (formerly Twitter)
1
new support line manned by experienced magistrates launched
3
workshops for new magistrates held
200
members welcomed at our annual conference and awards ceremony
87%
of our members said they would recommend MA membership to others
87%
of our members said they think MA membership is good value for money
Become a member
As a member, you’ll get access to a wealth of benefits to assist you to be the best magistrate you can be, including:
- A learning hub with over 200 resources
- Monthly webinars on topical issues
- A support line run by fellow magistrates
- Engaging e-newsletters and our magazine
- Events where you can meet colleagues
Latest blogs and news
- Family court matters
- Practicalities of being a magistrate
Trustees’ Week 2025: What it means to be a trustee
- Adult court matters
- Family court matters
- Youth court matters
Latest Updates for Magistrates: October 2025
- Diversity, disparity and inclusion
- Practicalities of being a magistrate
- Wider justice system
Challenges and Opportunities for Magistrates from Black, Asian and global majority backgrounds
