Our timeline
1920
The MA is founded
Alderman Wilkins, a magistrate for Derby, proposes to establish an association of magistrates.
1921
First official meeting
The first official meeting of the MA takes place in Westminster.
1921
Our magazine
Magistrate magazine is published for the first time.
1962
Royal charter
The MA is granted a royal charter and assigned a coat of arms.
2019
Magistrates in the Community
Magistrates in the Community, our community engagement initiative is launched.
2020
MA centenary
The charity celebrates 100 years.
2022
Advocacy wins
The MA secures two big influencing wins, after successfully advocating to increase magistrates' mandatory retirement age and for a national recruitment campaign.
2022
MA learn
We launch MA learn, an online learning hub for members.
2023
Support for members
Our exclusive support line launches, providing members with magistrate-to-magistrate support.