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News

We are a go-to resource for the media on issues relating to the magistracy and criminal justice, and draw on our members' expertise and experience when responding to current news and promoting the magistracy. Use the search box or filters to find what you're looking for.

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  • 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.
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  • Wider justice system

Speaking up for members: May 2026

Your latest update on our policy, advocacy and media work.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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Westminster Magistrates' Court
  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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Image shows the text: Community Sentences
  • 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.
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Image shows the text: Child Focused Courts
  • 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.
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A picture of a field with daffodils. The text reads Happy St David's Day!

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.
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  • 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.
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  • Domestic abuse
  • Family court matters
  • Victims
  • Wider justice system
  • Youth court matters

Latest sector updates for magistrates: February 2026

Read our updates from across the justice system. This month includes the release of Leveson Part Two, the passing of the Sentencing Act, and proposed changes to the Victims Code.
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An image of Deputy National Chair Sarah Clarke appearing on BBC Politics East
  • Practicalities of being a magistrate
  • Wider justice system
  • Youth court matters

Speaking up for members: February 2026

A round-up of our recent policy, advocacy and media work.
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An image displaying the words Media Statement.
  • Wider justice system

We welcome recommendations in Part 2 of the Leveson Review

The Magistrates' Association has broadly welcomed the recommendations in Part 2 of Sir Brian Leveson’s Independent Review of Criminal Courts, published today.
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Magistrates in a court. Copyright Philip Wolmuth
  • Wider justice system

MA welcomes retention of ‘Nightingale Courts’

Our response to today’s government announcement that the four remaining ‘Nightingale Courts’ will remain open.
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The title page of the Sentencing Bill, which is now (January 2026) the Sentencing Act
  • Wider justice system

MA responds to Sentencing Bill’s Royal Assent

We respond to the Sentencing Act which became law yesterday.
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  • Family court matters
  • Wider justice system
  • Youth court matters

Latest updates for magistrates: January 2026

Read our latest updates from across the justice system. This month we look at the government's proposed reforms to the criminal courts, the new Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy, an expansion to the Pathfinder model, Family Mediation Week, and a new inquiry into children and young adults in the secure estate. Just for members.
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  • Practicalities of being a magistrate
  • Wider justice system

MA members in New Year Honours List

Three members were honoured for services to the magistracy and justice.
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  • Wider justice system

We comment on the growing court backlogs

The Magistrates' Association comments on the latest criminal court statistics covering July to September 2025.
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A photo of Incoming MA Chief Executive Catherine Feast standing outside 10 Downing Street.

Magistrates’ Association appoints new Chief Executive

The Magistrates’ Association will have a new Chief Executive in March 2026.
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