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
29 July 2025
Youth court matters
An introduction to the youth court
MA member Adam Gungah JP gives an overview of the youth court jurisdiction and what it entails. For magistrates interested in finding out more or considering applying to be on the youth panel.
25 July 2025
Wider justice system
Life-changing and lifesaving support for veterans in the justice system
In this guest blog, Op NOVA national manager Colin Back discusses the life-changing and often life-saving impact of England's first fully-commissioned, nationally available support service for veterans in the justice system.
24 July 2025
Adult court matters Family court matters Youth court matters
Latest updates for magistrates: July 2025
From the Youth Justice Charter to reducing reoffending, read our handy look at the latest updates from across the justice system.
18 July 2025
Practicalities of being a magistrate
Candidates for the MA's Board of Trustees announced
13 candidates. Three vacancies. Your vote counts. This year’s trustee election is the most hotly contested in years, with a record 13 members standing for the board. Find out who’s standing and get ready to vote from 18 August.
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
- Online
Making sense of behaviour webinar
Mulberry Bush are a charity which runs a residential home for children with complex early life trauma with whom they work therapeutically. This webinar will be focussed about how these children present, how to interpret that and what their behaviour in court might mean/indicate. They'll also talk about care environments and working with children like this.
Bow Street Police Museum retired member event
We will be visiting The Bow Street Museum in Covent Garden, followed by a members' lunch close by. The tour will dive into the history of law and (dis)order on Bow Street with a one-hour private tour of the Museum. Led by an experienced member of the Museum team, you will explore how Bow Street, an unremarkable thoroughfare at the heart of London’s theatreland, became synonymous with criminal justice for almost 300 years. The ticket price is £35 (which includes lunch)
- In person
- St John’s Church Conference Centre
Stepping Up: Challenges and opportunities for Black, Asian and global majority magistrates
Join us on Saturday 11 October in London for “Stepping Up” – an in-person event for Black, Asian and global majority magistrates. Organised by the Magistrates’ Association’s diversity and inclusion committee, the event offers a space to connect, share experiences, and explore opportunities for change. Free to attend, but places are limited – book now to secure your spot.
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 120 resources
- Monthly webinars on topical issues
- A support line run by versed magistrates
- Engaging newsletters and magazines
- Events where you can meet colleagues
Latest blogs and news
- Wider justice system
Life-changing and lifesaving support for veterans in the justice system
- Adult court matters
- Family court matters
- Youth court matters
Latest updates for magistrates: July 2025
