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 February 2026
Wider justice system
We welcome recommendations in Part 2 of the Leveson Review
The Magistrates' Association has broadly welcomed the recommendations in Part 2 of Sir Brian Leveson’s Independent Review of Criminal Courts, published today.
27 January 2026
Wider justice system
MA welcomes retention of 'Nightingale Courts'
Our response to today’s government announcement that the four remaining ‘Nightingale Courts’ will remain open.
23 January 2026
Wider justice system
MA responds to Sentencing Bill’s Royal Assent
We respond to the Sentencing Act which became law yesterday.
22 January 2026
Family court matters Wider justice system Youth court matters
Latest updates for magistrates: January 2026
Read our latest updates from across the justice system. This month we look at the government's proposed reforms to the criminal courts, the new Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy, an expansion to the Pathfinder model, Family Mediation Week, and a new inquiry into children and young adults in the secure estate. 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
Karen Canner – Making honours nominations
You should attend this webinar to hear Karen Canner from the Ministry of Justice explain the guidelines and procedures for nominating magistrates for Honours, like an OBE or MBE.
- Online
Restorative Solutions webinar – What is restorative justice?
You should attend this webinar to learn about restorative justice.
Restorative Solutions will be joining us to talk about how restorative justice can create an opportunity for those harmed by harm or conflict, and those responsible for the harm, to communicate what happened, share the impact and agree a positive way forward.
- Online
Cultural understanding of Gypsy and Traveller communities webinar
You should attend this webinar to hear from Sam Worrall, Criminal Justice Policy Officer for the charity - 'Friends, Families and Travellers'.
She will update us on their recently published 'Trapped in the Turnstile' report and outline details of their next project which focusses on looking at the cultural understanding magistrates and other court staff have of Gypsy and Traveller communities.
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
- Family court matters
- Wider justice system
- Youth court matters
Latest updates for magistrates: January 2026
