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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 150 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

A young person
  • Online

Child exploitation and coercive control

Join The Children’s Society for this webinar which will address the following topics; Introduction and definitions of child exploitation, coercive control, grooming, disruption powers and exploitation practice guide and the role of magistrates. This is a great opportunity to support members learning on the subject and provide a chance to reflect on the application to your role as a magistrate.

Let’s talk about Hate Crime

This online event, organised by our Surrey branch and Surrey Police and open to all members, has been organised to mark National Hate Crime Awareness Week. It will include: an introduction to hate crime and its history (in particular the Stephen Laurence case which resulted in the MacPherson report); hate crime today; community needs and expectations of the judicial system; the impact of hate crime on victims and communities; social media; and a briefing by the CPS on sentencing. We will also be able to hear from victims of hate crime. To find out more and book your tickets, please select the register here button below.

Foetal alcohol syndrome spectrum disorder – lived experience

Foetal alcohol syndrome disorder (FASD) describes the permanent damage to the brain and body of individuals exposed to alcohol prenatally. Parents of children with FASD will join us for this webinar to help magistrates better understand the impact of this condition on people they encounter 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 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

Latest blogs and news

Lady Justice
  • Wider justice system

Fixing what’s broken

Text reads: Member blog, Alex Yip. It is accompanied by Alex's photo.
  • Diversity, disparity and inclusion

Reflections of a British Chinese magistrate

The text reads: media statement
  • Adult court matters
  • Wider justice system

Postponing sentencing hearings to deal with prison overcrowding

A photo of the inside of a prison cell
  • Adult court matters
  • Wider justice system

Riots and Operation Early Dawn show the importance of a well-funded and well-run justice system, says the Magistrates’ Association