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
9 July 2025
Wider justice system
Magistrates’ Association welcomes Leveson review
The leading body for magistrates in England and Wales has welcomed Sir Brian Leveson’s review of the criminal courts – published today – and says that its recommendations, if implemented, will speed-up justice for victims, witnesses and defendants who are being denied justice by the ever-increasing backlog in the crown courts.
7 July 2025
Domestic abuse Family court matters Victims
Pathfinder: a personal view
The Pathfinder process aims to improve the court experience and outcomes for children and parents involved in private family law proceedings. This blog is the very personal experience of one mum (who also happens to be a magistrate), of the Pathfinder process. We are not sharing her name or where she lives, to protect her anonymity.
4 July 2025
Diversity, disparity and inclusion
Progress towards a more diverse magistracy needs speeding up
Responding to yesterday’s judicial diversity statistics, the Magistrates’ Association has said that while it is proud that the magistracy remains the most diverse part of the judiciary, progress on magistrate diversity has slowed.
1 July 2025
MA’s new national chair and deputies elected
In November, David Ford will take the reins from Mark Beattie as the Magistrates’ Association’s new national chair, and Jacqui MacDonald-Davis, Sarah Clarke and Val Castell will be deputy national chairs.
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
Connect, share, and learn – MA drop-in for diversity and inclusion network members
Join fellow magistrates at the MA’s online drop-in session for members of our diversity and inclusion networks. This informal event is open to any member who identifies with one or more of the following groups:
Black, Asian and minority ethnic magistrates
Young magistrates (under 40)
LGBT+ magistrates
Magistrates with disabilities
The session will include a short presentation on the findings from our recent diversity and inclusion survey, along with the key headlines from the latest judicial diversity data (expected early July). You’ll also have the chance to connect with others in small breakout groups aligned to each network.
Whether you’re already involved or just curious to learn more, this is a welcoming space to meet others, share experiences, and explore how we can continue to strengthen inclusion across the magistracy.
- Online
Youth policy special
Youth magistrates should attend this meeting to find out about the MA's current policy work in youth courts and discuss current difficulties and future opportunities in the youth court.
Open to non-members.
Living with drug dependency – Choose Life
Choose Life, a charity based in the northwest of England, uses the lived experience of recovered drug users to educate young people and professionals on the dangers of Class A drugs. Project manager, Steve Duffy MBE and project volunteers will give magistrates insights into the day-to-day world of someone addicted to drugs and some of the experiences they may have had before you see them 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 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
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
Progress towards a more diverse magistracy needs speeding up
