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Blogs

Our blogs share the perspectives and views of our members, volunteers and staff on issues relating to the magistracy and wider justice system. We also publish guest pieces from organisations with fresh perspectives on relevant topics. Use the search box or filters to find what you're looking for.

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  • Addictions and drug issues
  • Adult court matters
  • Wider justice system

How alcohol complicates sentencing

Dr Carly Lightowlers, Reader in Criminology at the University of Liverpool, discusses how alcohol is a pervasive yet ambiguous factor in sentencing.
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  • Adult court matters
  • Victims
  • women

How can magistrates recognise stalking behaviours

Sarah Butters JP is the Domestic Abuse and Stalking Link on the MA’s Adult Crime Committee and a Trustee at the Alice Ruggles Trust. In this blog, she discusses stalking behaviours, their impact on victims, and the importance of Stalking Protection Orders.
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Image shows the text Neurodiversity Celebration Week 16-20 2026, alongside a brain alongside puzzle pieces
  • Diversity, disparity and inclusion
  • Practicalities of being a magistrate

Our bench is infinitely stronger when perspectives vary

“Neurodiversity is part of human diversity. A bench that reflects different ways of thinking is far better equipped to deliver fair and considered justice” says MA member Charlotte Fordyce, who writes about neurodiversity in this fascinating blog.
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A photo of Tom Franklin, the MA's Chief Executive 2021 to 2026
  • Wider justice system

So it’s goodnight from me…

In May 2021, Tom Franklin joined the Magistrates’ Association as its new Chief Executive. This month, Tom is leaving the MA for a well-earned retirement and, in this blog, we look at some of his achievements, the memories of people he’s worked with and his own thoughts on his time with us.
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Grid of images showing MA trustees Jacqui Macdonald-Davis, Sarah Butters, Sarah Clarke, Val Castell and Tracy Sortwell.
  • Practicalities of being a magistrate
  • women

International Women’s Day: Gender equality in the magistracy

To mark International Women's Day 2026, we asked some of our female trustees about their journeys to become magistrates and the importance of having diverse voices and experiences in the judiciary.
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Image shows two pink speech bubbles overlapping eachother
  • Practicalities of being a magistrate

Talking about mental health

In this blog, MA member Sonal Dave discusses the importance of communication when it comes to protecting our mental health.
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  • Diversity, disparity and inclusion
  • Wider justice system
  • Youth court matters

Autistic children and the court system

In this blog, MA member and retired family and criminal magistrate Anthony Melnikoff JP discusses autistic children and the court system.
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Left: Rob Sassoon and Savannah Hersov Sassoon accept the Employer Award for Imperial College London. Right: Sarah Sawyerr accepts the Inclusion and Social Value Award.

Celebrating our members with the annual MA awards

An annual tradition, the Magistrates’ Association’s awards are an opportunity for members and branches to recognise those who have gone the extra mile for their branch, their community, or the MA.
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Graphic displaying an image of Lady Justice May, Chair of the Sentencing Council, and the words Guest Blog.
  • Wider justice system

Sentencing Council 2026 data collection – sentencing dangerous driving

In this guest blog, Lady Justice May, Chair of the Sentencing Council, explains why the Sentencing Council will be collecting data on serious driving offences in magistrates' courts next year.
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Westminster Magistrates' Court
  • Wider justice system

A vote of confidence for magistrates: the Leveson review

The Independent Review of the Criminal Courts – also known as the Leveson Review – recommended radical reform of the courts – and the government’s response is arguably more radical still. In this blog, exclusively for members, our Chief Executive Tom Franklin explores our role in shaping the review, and what we think will happen next.
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Image shows a conference room filled with people, with a large screen displaying the words 'Conference 2025' on stage
  • Practicalities of being a magistrate

Reflections on our 2025 National Conference and AGM

Chief Executive Tom Franklin shares his thoughts and reflections on both an enjoyable and thought-provoking day in Lancaster.
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A photo of David Ford, National Chair of the Magistrates' Association
  • Wider justice system

My vision for 2026-28

On 22 November 2025, at our annual conference and AGM in Lancaster, David Ford became the MA’s new National Chair, taking over from Mark Beattie. In this blog, David shares his vision for the next three years.
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Mark Beattie JP, National Chair
  • Wider justice system

A tribute to our departing national chair, Mark Beattie

Mark Beattie took up the role of national chair of the Magistrates’ Association in October 2022. In this blog, chief executive Tom Franklin reflects on Mark’s contribution to the MA over the last three years, as his tenure comes to an end.
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Trustees' Week logo is on the left. On the right is a picture of trustee Tracy Sortwell
  • Family court matters
  • Practicalities of being a magistrate

Trustees’ Week 2025: What it means to be a trustee

To celebrate Trustees' Week, Tracy Sortwell JP tells us about her role as a trustee at the MA and what she’s passionate about.
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An image of Andrew Phillips in his Master formal wear
  • Diversity, disparity and inclusion

Breaking Barriers in the City of London

MA member Andrew Phillips JP has served as a magistrate for almost 15 years. In this blog, he shares his recent appointment as the first Black West Indian-born Master of the Worshipful Company of Firefighters. This piece originally appeared in the Black History Month UK 2025 magazine.
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Guest speakers from the event stand together.
  • Diversity, disparity and inclusion
  • Practicalities of being a magistrate
  • Wider justice system

Challenges and Opportunities for Magistrates from Black, Asian and global majority backgrounds

In this blog, MA member Sarah Sawyerr JP (Black, Asian and global majority network representative on the MA's Diversity and inclusion committee) shares her reflections on the MA's recent event highlighting the challenges and opportunities for magistrates from Black, Asian and global majority backgrounds.
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  • Practicalities of being a magistrate

My 25-year voluntary career

To mark Black History Month UK, we've republished Abiola Onatade's blog on her experiences volunteering as a magistrate for over two decades. This blog was originally published in 2023 and has been amended to bring it up-to-date.
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A photograph of Sarah Sackman MP Minister of State for Justice.
  • Wider justice system

In praise of magistrates

In this blog, Minister of State for Justice Sarah Sackman MP celebrates the work of the magistracy and magistrates' vital role in the criminal justice system. This originally appeared in the Autumn 2025 edition of our magazine.
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A graphic portraying the concept of child exploitation and control
  • Modern slavery and exploitation
  • Youth court matters

#LookCloser to identify victims of child exploitation

In this guest blog, Rosie Plummer, the North Service Manager on the Children's Society's Prevention Programme highlights the opportunities we can have to identify victims of exploitation in court and to supportively engage with them.
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Text reads: Member blog, Adam Gungah. It is accompanied by Adam's photo.
  • Youth court matters

An introduction to the youth court

MA member Adam Gungah JP gives an overview of the youth court jurisdiction and what it entails. For magistrates interested in finding out more or considering applying to be on the youth panel.
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