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
11 June 2025
Wider justice system
Our response to the Chancellor's Spending review
The Magistrates’ Association welcomes additional investment in criminal justice announced in today's spending review statement, but still more needs to be done to fix the justice system.
5 June 2025
Practicalities of being a magistrate
Fundamental reform needed to keep magistrates in post
The Magistrates' Association's new report is based on its members’ experiences and reveals that despite being vital to the justice system, magistrates – who are all unpaid volunteers – don’t receive the support and recognition they need and deserve, and this is becoming a resigning matter for some.
27 May 2025
Family court matters
Children’s voice and participation in family law proceedings
In this blog, Jude Eyre, Associate Director at the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory shares the findings of their research into children’s voice and participation in family law proceedings. She also shares valuable resources for children, parents and guardians, and members of the judiciary.
23 May 2025
Wider justice system
Influencing the Independent Sentencing Review
In this blog, Tom Franklin the MA's chief executive, discusses the work we've done to shape the Independent Sentencing Review, which was published on 22 May 2025.
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
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.
- Online
Nuffield Family Justice Observatory
Members are encouraged to attend this webinar, hosted by Jude Eyre, to explore the practical steps that can be taken in the family court—following the release of NFJO's report on the voice of the child—to ensure that children's voices are truly heard. Jude is the Associate Director at the NFJO.
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
- Practicalities of being a magistrate
Fundamental reform needed to keep magistrates in post
