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
13 May 2025
Adult court matters Wider justice system
Magistrates back reforms to the regulation of private prosecutors
In its response to the government’s review of the regulation of private prosecutors, the Magistrates' Association has made recommendations in key areas that it believes will improve transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the Single Justice Procedure, as well as in private prosecutors more generally.
28 April 2025
Modern slavery and exploitation
The Modern Slavery Act a Decade On: Survivors Still Criminalised, Not Protected
In this guest blog, Cat Linton, anti-trafficking policy officer at Hibiscus Initiatives, reflects on the findings of their recent briefing in collaboration with After Exploitation, on the criminalisation of modern slavery survivors.
24 April 2025
Family court matters Modern slavery and exploitation Youth court matters
Latest updates for magistrates: April 2025
From children in prison to ten years of the Modern Slavery Act, read the recent updates from across the justice system.
15 April 2025
Wider justice system
MA contributes to landmark Times crime and justice commission report
The proposal to introduce a new intermediate court reflects a growing consensus.
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
Royal Garden Party Reception – 20 May
Join us at our offices in St George's Wharf, for the Royal Garden Party reception on 20 May 2025.
This event is exclusively for members who have Royal Garden Party tickets. Please do not book on to this event unless you have a ticket.
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
- Adult court matters
- Wider justice system
Magistrates back reforms to the regulation of private prosecutors
- Modern slavery and exploitation
The Modern Slavery Act a Decade On: Survivors Still Criminalised, Not Protected
- Family court matters
- Modern slavery and exploitation
- Youth court matters
Latest updates for magistrates: April 2025
