- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Wider justice system
MA responds to Sentencing Bill’s Royal Assent
We respond to the Sentencing Act which became law yesterday.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Magistrates’ Association appoints new Chief Executive
The Magistrates’ Association will have a new Chief Executive in March 2026.
- Wider justice system
We welcome the Government response to the Leveson review, saying it will speed-up justice
- Diversity, disparity and inclusion
- Family court matters
- Youth court matters
Speaking up for members: November 2025
A round-up of our recent policy and advocacy work.
- Wider justice system
We comment on media reports about jury trials
The Magistrates' Association comments on today's media reports about the Leveson Review of the Criminal Courts and jury trials.
- Family court matters
- Wider justice system
- Youth court matters
Latest news for magistrates: November 2025
Read our latest updates from across the justice system. This month we take a look at the government's response to the Hancock review, quarterly statistics on the safety of children in the court estate, the government's intention to repeal the presumption of parental involvement, the Pathfinder pilot expansion, the abolition of Police and Crime Commissioners, and a new report on policy options for fine alternatives. Just for MA members.