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
10 September 2024
Wider justice system
Fixing what’s broken
Our chief executive Tom Franklin on the challenges facing the justice system – and how our 2024 conference aims to inspire discussion and solutions.
4 September 2024
Diversity, disparity and inclusion
Reflections of a British Chinese magistrate
For East and South East Asian Heritage Month, Cllr Alex Yip JP shares his experience of being a British Chinese magistrate and reflects on the importance of a truly inclusive judiciary.
23 August 2024
Adult court matters Wider justice system
Postponing sentencing hearings to deal with prison overcrowding
The Magistrates’ Association responds to reports.
19 August 2024
Adult court matters Wider justice system
Riots and Operation Early Dawn show the importance of a well-funded and well-run justice system, says the Magistrates’ Association
The Magistrates' Association responds to today’s reactivation of the emergency measure Operation Early Dawn.
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 150 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
Child exploitation and coercive control
Join The Children’s Society for this webinar which will address the following topics; Introduction and definitions of child exploitation, coercive control, grooming, disruption powers and exploitation practice guide and the role of magistrates.
This is a great opportunity to support members learning on the subject and provide a chance to reflect on the application to your role as a magistrate.
Let’s talk about Hate Crime
This online event, organised by our Surrey branch and Surrey Police and open to all members, has been organised to mark National Hate Crime Awareness Week. It will include: an introduction to hate crime and its history (in particular the Stephen Laurence case which resulted in the MacPherson report); hate crime today; community needs and expectations of the judicial system; the impact of hate crime on victims and communities; social media; and a briefing by the CPS on sentencing. We will also be able to hear from victims of hate crime.
To find out more and book your tickets, please select the register here button below.
Foetal alcohol syndrome spectrum disorder – lived experience
Foetal alcohol syndrome disorder (FASD) describes the permanent damage to the brain and body of individuals exposed to alcohol prenatally. Parents of children with FASD will join us for this webinar to help magistrates better understand the impact of this condition on people they encounter in court.
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 120 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
What our community says
I didn't hesitate to join the MA because I wanted to be part of a group of like-minded individuals who strive for equality and justice every day. Being a member has not only enhanced my skills as a magistrate, but has also given me the confidence to promote the magistracy to a wide range of individuals in my community—and to encourage people like me to apply. I'm very proud to be an active member of the MA.
Latest blogs and news
- Adult court matters
- Wider justice system
Postponing sentencing hearings to deal with prison overcrowding
- Adult court matters
- Wider justice system
Riots and Operation Early Dawn show the importance of a well-funded and well-run justice system, says the Magistrates’ Association
