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
4 June 2026
Practicalities of being a magistrate Wider justice system
Magistrates are core to our justice system
For Volunteers' Week, which runs 1-7 June, our Chief Executive Catherine Feast writes in praise of magistrates and their contribution to the justice sector.
3 June 2026
Practicalities of being a magistrate
The magistracy – what’s in it for young people?
For Volunteers’ Week, which runs 1-7 June this year, we decided to speak to some young magistrates to find out their motivations for joining the magistracy and whether their age has led to different challenges.
28 May 2026
Knife and weapon crime Youth court matters
The role of magistrates in knife crime prevention
Emma Norman is Director of Young People and Families at Catch22, an organisation that works to build resilience and aspiration in people and communities. In this blog, she discusses the Drawing the Line campaign and the role that magistrates can play in the prevention of knife crime.
22 May 2026
Family court matters Victims Wider justice system Youth court matters
Latest sector updates for magistrates: May 2026
Read our updates from across the justice sector. This month includes new youth justice white paper, an update on the Courts and Tribunals Bill, and the introduction of new legislation to strengthen community safety and victims' rights. Just for members.
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 240 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
New magistrate webinar
If you are a new magistrate then you might want to attend this webinar to find out how the MA can support you in your role, and to meet other new magistrates.
This webinar is designed to talk to both members and non-members about who the Magistrates' Association (MA) is, what we do and how we do it. CEO Catherine Feast will introduce the MA, and there will then be an opportunity to speak with others who have just become magistrates to talk about your experience so far and discover the ways we can help you be great magistrates.
Come along and meet the team, please do invite people you think might benefit.
Understanding antisemitism
This webinar will focus on antisemitism: what it is, its roots, modern manifestations and on de-mystifying Jewish people.
Antisemitism session content aims and outputs:
1. Increased understanding of who Jewish people are and the community in the UK.
2. Increased understanding of what antisemitism is, its scale and reach.
3. Knowledge about the different manifestations of antisemitism including but not limited to: conspiratorial, Holocaust denial, Israel and Zionism-linked.
4. To understand antisemitism online, its impact and pervasiveness.
5. For participants to be able to determine antisemitism when they see it and explain why something might be antisemitic.
- Online
Youth policy special
An update from Youth Committee members about the YCC’s ongoing policy work on delays, education, out-of-court resolutions, and financial charges in the youth jurisdiction.
We’ll then have a series of breakout rooms where attendees can discuss in small groups areas where the YCC may focus its policy work in future. This is likely to be closely tied to the white paper published this week Cutting Youth Crime, Changing Young Lives and Prof. David Ormerod’s report into the future of criminal courts for children. The specific questions for discussion during the breakouts will be distributed to attendees ahead of the event so that they can come prepared for a really productive discussion.
There will also be a chance for Q&A with the committee.
This event is open to members and non-members - please register using the Zoom link below.
Our year in numbers
Between July 2024 and June 2025, we were busy influencing on behalf of our members and building opportunities for them to learn, develop and connect.
20
webinars on topics from child exploitation to the Probation service
830
new members joined us during the year
13
consultation responses and one advocacy report published
233
learning resources on MA learn, our online magistrates' training hub
3
parliamentary committee appearances
118
meetings with MoJ ministers and officials, the judiciary and others
58200
people engaged with by our 'Magistrates in the Community' teams
4
issues of Magistrate magazine published
2345
pieces of digital, print and broadcast media coverage secured
80700
visitors to our website
4
workshops for new magistrates held
84%
of our members said they would recommend MA membership to others
78%
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 over 240 resources
- Monthly webinars on topical issues
- A support line run by fellow magistrates
- Engaging e-newsletters and our magazine
- Events where you can meet colleagues
Latest blogs and news
- Practicalities of being a magistrate
- Wider justice system
Magistrates are core to our justice system
- Knife and weapon crime
- Youth court matters
The role of magistrates in knife crime prevention
- Family court matters
- Victims
- Wider justice system
- Youth court matters
Latest sector updates for magistrates: May 2026
