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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

  • Online

Criminalisation of survivors of domestic abuse

Speakers from the Centre for Women's Justice will join us to speak about their 'Stop criminalising survivors!' project.
  • Online

Retired member event featuring Phil Maguire from Prison Radio

Phil Maguire from the Prison Radio Association (PRA) will join us to speak about the charity behind National Prison Radio, the world’s first national radio station for people in prison.

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

  • Diversity, disparity and inclusion

Neurodiversity Celebration Week: Understanding ADHD

A lantern
  • Diversity, disparity and inclusion
  • Practicalities of being a magistrate

Four top tips to support a fasting colleague during Ramadan

The text reads: guest blog, Edwina Grosvenor
  • Adult court matters

Redesigning justice for women and their children: the answers lie in the community

The text reads: media statement
  • Wider justice system

Magistrates’ Association responds to the Spring Budget