News and Comments

In a major success for the Magistrates' Association, the Lord Chancellor has announced the government's intention to increase magistrates' sentencing powers from six to 12 months for a single offence. This is a move that the Association has long argued for to help ease the pressure in the Crown Courts, which are facing unprecedented backlogs.

MA research on the support employed magistrates require to overcome the difficulties they face volunteering in this important civic role stimulates much-needed conversations among politicians, the judiciary and the media.

The MA's Young Magistrates' Network has today published a report on the issues facing employed magistrates. It calls on the government to provide better support and guidance for young magistrates who balance magisterial duties with employment.

The MA is recruiting an experienced communications professional to help us secure profile-raising media coverage and to develop engaging digital content. If you're keen to make a big difference within a small and friendly staff team, please apply today!

The MA is recruiting a new Director of Finance and Resources. This new role will help drive our Business Change Programme. Read on for more information, and how to apply. Deadline: 10am, Wednesday 12 January 2022.

The MA is seeking an exceptional learning and development professional, who is keen to make a big difference within a small and friendly staff team. It's a great time to join - as we begin implementation of our new Learning and Development Hub for members. Download the pack to find out more and to apply.

The family court themed issue of MAGISTRATE will be online and on your doorstep by 8 December 2021.

Transform Justice recently suggested reorienting existing resources from the magistrates’ courts to the Crown Court. The call to reorient resources would undermine work of the magistrates’ courts which has successfully worked to reduce the backlog in the magistrates' courts. 

In this blog post, Tracy Sortwell discusses the benefits that greater transparency can bring to family justice but notes that these benefits will only be realised if resources are invested in the family justice system.