- Practicalities of being a magistrate
- Wider justice system
- Youth court matters
Speaking up for members: August 2026
Your latest update on our policy, advocacy and media work.
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Shape the future of the magistracy – join an MA policy committee
Applications are open for 16 vacancies on five different MA policy committees covering adult courts, family courts, youth courts, training, learning and development, and diversity and inclusion.
- Practicalities of being a magistrate
Help shape the conversation – Join our Member Engagement Group
You're invited to join our new network of sitting members, where we'll periodically ask views on issues that are impacting your roles, to help us get a sense-check on how our members view.
- Diversity, disparity and inclusion
- Domestic abuse
- Wider justice system
Latest sector updates for magistrates: July 2026
Read our latest updates from across the justice sector. This month includes the Cabinet reshuffle, the National Audit Office's report on electronic monitoring, and the DA Commissioner's strategic plan. Just for members.
WE WELCOME THE RISE IN NEW MAGISTRATES, BUT MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE TO RETAIN THEM
The Magistrates' Association comments on today's magistrate recruitment and diversity data from the Ministry of Justice.
- Wider justice system
MA calls for open approach to justice data
The MA has warned that a lack of accessible, useable justice data in England and Wales is undermining public confidence in justice and causing policy decisions to be made without full evidence.
- Addictions and drug issues
- Practicalities of being a magistrate
Guidance on summertime anti-social behaviour
By understanding the behavioural patterns associated with warmer months, magistrates can better manage the increase in cases and contribute to safer communities.
- Domestic abuse
- Family court matters
- Wider justice system
- Youth court matters
Latest sector updates for Magistrates: June 2026
Read our updates from across the justice sector. This month includes our latest briefing on Leveson Part 2 and what 'efficiency' should look like in magistrates' courts. Just for members.
- Wider justice system
MA members in King’s birthday honours list
Five members were honoured for their services to the magistracy and justice, including current Deputy Chair Val Castell and former National Chair Mark Beattie.
- Family court matters
- Victims
- Wider justice system
- Youth court matters
Latest sector updates for magistrates: May 2026
Read our updates from across the justice sector. This month includes new youth justice white paper, an update on the Courts and Tribunals Bill, and the introduction of new legislation to strengthen community safety and victims' rights. Just for members.
- Wider justice system
Speaking up for members: May 2026
Your latest update on our policy, advocacy and media work.
- Adult court matters
- Victims
- Wider justice system
New legislation sees community safety strengthened and victims centred
Last week saw both the Crime and Policing Act and the Victims and Courts Act receive Royal Assent – two pieces of legislation which will have a far-reaching impact on the criminal justice system, including the magistrates’ courts.
- Family court matters
- Practicalities of being a magistrate
- Wider justice system
- Youth court matters
Latest sector updates for magistrates: April 2026
Read our updates from across the justice system. This month includes the government's new National Magistrates Recruitment Taskforce, an update on the Courts and Tribunals Bill, and the introduction of "blitz" courts. Just for members.
- Wider justice system
We comment on plans for recruiting new magistrates
Our thoughts on the Government's new magistrate recruitment campaign, which launched on 16 April 2026. This is the text of an email sent to members the same day.
- Adult court matters
- Domestic abuse
- Knife and weapon crime
- Wider justice system
- Youth court matters
MA calls for urgent national reform of Out of Court Resolutions
Magistrates’ Association warns of “shadow justice system” as Out of Court Resolutions expand without oversight.
- Adult court matters
- Family court matters
- Wider justice system
Latest sector updates for magistrates: March 2026
Read our updates from across the justice system. This month includes the government's response to the LJA reform consultation, the nationwide expansion of child focused courts, an update on the Courts and Tribunals Bill, and more. Just for members.
- Adult court matters
- Practicalities of being a magistrate
Government justice reforms will fail without reforming and investing in community sentences
The MA said today that the current provision of community sentences is not fit for purpose, and without investment and reform, will derail the government’s planned criminal justice reforms.
- Family court matters
MA welcomes nationwide expansion of Child Focused Courts
We respond to the expansion of Child Focused Courts – formerly known as Pathfinder Courts – across England and Wales.
Happy St. David’s Day to all Welsh magistrates
The Magistrates' Association wishes Welsh people everywhere a happy St. David's Day for Sunday 1 March.
- Wider justice system
Extra funding for magistrates’ courts welcome, but more still to do
The Magistrates' Association has welcomed the announcement by the Justice Secretary David Lammy, of an additional £247 million funding for the crown and magistrates’ courts.