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
21 November 2024
Diversity, disparity and inclusion Practicalities of being a magistrate
Half-day sittings: towards a more diverse magistracy
Following the publication of our new position statement, Janet Lallysmith, our Training, Learning and Development Officer, explains why we feel half-day sittings should be available to all magistrates, and the benefits this would bring to the magistracy.
20 November 2024
Adult court matters Wider justice system
What do the public know about prisons?
Dr Jonathan Bild, Deputy Director of the Sentencing Academy, reflects on the findings of their recent survey on the public’s knowledge of the prison population and the purpose of imprisonment.
19 November 2024
Adult court matters Family court matters Wider justice system
Speaking up for members: November 2024
A round-up of our recent policy and advocacy work.
18 November 2024
Diversity, disparity and inclusion
My experience of campaigning on disability issues over four decades
For UK Disability History Month, David Rose JP, one of the disabled representatives of our diversity and inclusion committee, shares his experiences of campaigning on disability issues.
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 180 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
Retired member Christmas lunch
Our upcoming retired members’ event will be the annual Christmas lunch on Wednesday 11 December 2024. The Warwick in Pimlico has been booked from 1-5pm. The venue is on the ground floor with disability access and we anticipate this will be an afternoon full of good food, conversation and Christmas cheer.
Nominating magistrates for Honours
Karen Canner, Honours Secretary at the Ministry of Justice will be joining us to explain how to nominate magistrates for honorary titles like Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). Karen will explain what the committees look for in nominations and outline the timelines involved.
The domestic homicide timeline: what magistrates need to know
Join leading forensic criminologist Professor Jane Monckton Smith for a whistle-stop tour of the Domestic Homicide Timeline. Professor Monckton Smith from the University of Gloucestershire has researched the deaths of women at the hands of current or former intimate partners and says the evidence shows that there are signs of the risk posed by these perpetrators along the way. On many occasions these signs are missed by criminal justice professionals because of a lack of understanding. The timeline walks through the 7 stages from a history of criminality and abuse through controlling behaviour and through to, in some cases, the death of women. The message is that along the way, the perpetrator will show to the criminal justice system they are a risk to the women they encounter. We just need to know what to look for.
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
- Diversity, disparity and inclusion
- Practicalities of being a magistrate
Half-day sittings: towards a more diverse magistracy
- Adult court matters
- Family court matters
- Wider justice system
Speaking up for members: November 2024
- Diversity, disparity and inclusion
My experience of campaigning on disability issues over four decades
