- Wider justice system
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- 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.
- Adult court matters
- Family court matters
- Youth court matters
Latest Updates for Magistrates: October 2025
Read our latest updates from across the justice system. This month we look at the public understanding of sentencing, youth justice out of court disposals and the Family Court Review and Reporting Mechanism (FCRRM) pilot. Just for MA members.
- Adult court matters
- Family court matters
- Youth court matters
Latest updates for magistrates: September 2025
From the new Sentencing Bill to improving family court services, read the latest of our handy monthly looks at the latest updates from across the justice system - just for MA members.
- Wider justice system
MA comments on the growing court backlogs
The Magistrates' Association has responded to today's MoJ criminal court statistics quarterly, which showed increases in crown and magistrate court backlogs.
- Practicalities of being a magistrate
New trustees elected to the MA board
Our members have elected three trustees out of a field of 13 candidates. Read on to find out more about who was elected.
- Wider justice system
David Lammy appointed Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary
The Magistrates’ Association comments on today’s Government reshuffle, which saw the arrival of Rt Hon David Lammy MP as the new Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary.
- Adult court matters
- Family court matters
- Youth court matters
Quarter of magistrates feel unsafe in court, survey reveals
Serious concerns about safety and security have been highlighted in a ground-breaking survey by the Magistrates’ Association, with one in four magistrates reporting they have felt unsafe carrying out their duties in court.
- Wider justice system
Magistrates’ Association comments on Sentencing Bill
The Magistrates’ Association has cautiously welcomed the Sentencing Bill – presented to Parliament on 2 September.
- Adult court matters
- Family court matters
- Youth court matters
Latest updates for magistrates: August 2025
From youth policy to AI in the justice system, read our handy look at the latest updates from across the justice system - just for MA members.
- Practicalities of being a magistrate
- Wider justice system
Speaking up for members: August 2025
A round-up of our recent policy and advocacy work.
- Adult court matters
- Diversity, disparity and inclusion
- Family court matters
- Youth court matters
Shape the future of the magistracy – join an MA policy committee
Applications are open for four MA policy committees covering adult courts, family courts, youth courts, and diversity and inclusion.
- Adult court matters
- Family court matters
- Youth court matters
Latest updates for magistrates: July 2025
From the Youth Justice Charter to reducing reoffending, read our handy look at the latest updates from across the justice system.
- Practicalities of being a magistrate
Candidates for the MA’s Board of Trustees announced
13 candidates. Three vacancies. Your vote counts. This year’s trustee election is the most hotly contested in years, with a record 13 members standing for the board. Find out who’s standing and get ready to vote from 18 August.
- Wider justice system
Magistrates’ Association welcomes Leveson review
The leading body for magistrates in England and Wales has welcomed Sir Brian Leveson’s review of the criminal courts – published today – and says that its recommendations, if implemented, will speed-up justice for victims, witnesses and defendants who are being denied justice by the ever-increasing backlog in the crown courts.
- Diversity, disparity and inclusion
Progress towards a more diverse magistracy needs speeding up
Responding to yesterday’s judicial diversity statistics, the Magistrates’ Association has said that while it is proud that the magistracy remains the most diverse part of the judiciary, progress on magistrate diversity has slowed.
MA’s new national chair and deputies elected
In November, David Ford will take the reins from Mark Beattie as the Magistrates’ Association’s new national chair, and Jacqui MacDonald-Davis, Sarah Clarke and Val Castell will be deputy national chairs.
- Practicalities of being a magistrate
MA members recognised in King’s Birthday Honours
Three of our members have been recognised for their services to the administration of justice as magistrates and for services to court users.