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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

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An East Asian woman, a Black man and a white man sitting on a magistrates' bench in court

Learn about magistrates

Magistrates make many of the legal decisions in England and Wales.

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.
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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.
Branch members

Get support

We provide peer support when being a magistrate feels tough.

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.
A young person

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

Latest blogs and news

Sue Kayser and Mary Carroll
  • Practicalities of being a magistrate

MA members recognised in King’s Birthday Honours

A mobile phone user
  • Adult court matters
  • Family court matters
  • Youth court matters

Latest updates for magistrates: June 2025

The Children's Society logo
  • Modern slavery and exploitation
  • Youth court matters

#LookCloser to identify victims of child exploitation

Text reads: member blog, Michael Hassell. It is accompanied by Michael's photo.
  • Diversity, disparity and inclusion

Celebrating 53 years of Pride