News and comments

One of our members, Shazia Latif Book, shares her experiences as the Black, Asian and minority ethnic network representative on our Greater Manchester branch, reflecting on a being a panellist at Starbank Academy Schools’ ‘Big Law Debate’.

The Magistrates’ Association has urged the Magistrates' Leadership Executive and the Ministry of Justice to reconsider their approach, following the recent announcement that magistrates’ expenses will not change for either mileage rates or digital devices – despite strong evidence in favour of doing so.

The Magistrates’ Association has submitted evidence to an ongoing London Assembly Police and Crime Committee investigation into London’s probation service. As well as highlighting concerning staff shortages and delays in reporting, it acknowledges examples of good practice and forthcoming opportunities for the service.

The language used in family courts can affect the experience of separating families and how people feel about family justice. In this guest blog, Helen Adam, chair of the Family Solutions Group, explores how magistrates can help minimise the use of adversarial language in courtrooms.

The Magistrates' Association (MA) is seeking experienced magistrates to join its four policy committees. These shape MA policy, and work in partnership with staff to influence decision makers on members’ behalf.

The Magistrates’ Association was saddened to hear of the death of John Taylor JP (Coventry and Warwickshire branch) last month, after a period of ill health. In recognition of the effort, drive and passion that John put into his branch, the MA has decided to dedicate the branch executive award to his memory.  

In June, we celebrated Pride with our LGBT+ members, recognising the progress that has been made towards greater equality in the magistracy, as well as the tremendous contribution they make to their communities every day as magistrates

Are you an MA member who is an experienced magistrate? Would you like to provide a friendly and supportive ear to fellow members? Could you help to sign-post members who are unsure where to turn? If so, please consider volunteering for the new support line we're launching later this year. Expressions of interest are open until 15 August 2022

Yesterday, a team of Magistrates’ Association staff and London-based members took part in the largest fundraising event in the legal calendar to raise much-needed funds for frontline, free legal advice services.

As we approach the end of Pride month, one of our newly-qualified members, Anthony Day, shares his experience of being an LGBT+ magistrate and outlines why Pride remains as important today as it was 50 years ago.