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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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The text reads: media statement
  • Adult court matters
  • Wider justice system

Single Justice Procedure reform welcome, but needs to go further

The Magistrates’ Association welcomes the announcement made by Heidi Alexander MP, Courts Minister today on the Single Justice Procedure.
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The text reads: media statement
  • Wider justice system

Failure to invest in courts a false economy, says Magistrates’ Association

Magistrates’ Association responds to the Autumn Budget.
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The text reads: media statement
  • Wider justice system

Sentencing review welcome, but must be supported by better long-term funding, say magistrates

Our response to the Ministry of Justice's announcement of a wide-ranging sentencing review.
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The front entrance of Westminster Magistrates' Court
  • Wider justice system

Magistrates’ sentencing range extended to 12 months

The MA comments on today's announcement by the Lord Chancellor that, with effect from 18 November, the sentencing range in the magistrates’ courts will be extended from six months to 12 months.
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The text reads: media statement
  • Adult court matters
  • Wider justice system

Postponing sentencing hearings to deal with prison overcrowding

The Magistrates’ Association responds to reports.
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A photo of the inside of a prison cell
  • Adult court matters
  • Wider justice system

Riots and Operation Early Dawn show the importance of a well-funded and well-run justice system, says the Magistrates’ Association

The Magistrates' Association responds to today’s reactivation of the emergency measure Operation Early Dawn.
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The text reads: media statement
  • Adult court matters
  • Wider justice system

Magistrates’ Association responds to the “unlawful” use of the Single Justice Procedure

This ruling supports our call for reform of the Single Justice Procedure.
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The text reads: media statement
  • Wider justice system

Courts sitting for 24 hours

Magistrates will step up as and if they are needed.
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The text reads: media statement
  • Wider justice system

The new Lord – or Lady – Chancellor has a long to-do list, say magistrates

To truly fix a criminal justice system that is on its knees, we urge the government to fundamentally review the whole system and back it up with proper and sustained investment.
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The text reads: media statement
  • Wider justice system

Criminal justice must be a priority for the new government, say magistrates

The Magistrates’ Association has urged the new Lord Chancellor to do a fundamental review of the criminal justice system and boost investment in all parts of it.
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The text reads: media statement
  • Adult court matters
  • Wider justice system

Magistrates’ Association responds to Operation Early Dawn

We are urgently seeking further information from the Ministry of Justice and HM Courts and Tribunals Service, and will update our members in due course.
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The text reads: press release
  • Adult court matters
  • Wider justice system

Single Justice Procedure needs reform, say magistrates

Magistrates’ Association today published its new position on the Single Justice Procedure (SJP), reflecting hundreds of its members’ insights into hearing SJP cases.
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The text reads: media statement
  • Wider justice system

Magistrates’ Association responds to the Spring Budget

Today’s budget announcement means that speedier justice for all—victims, witnesses and defendants—will be further delayed.
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The text reads: media statement
  • Wider justice system

Update on the start of the Single Justice Procedure 3:1 Operating Model

We urge the senior judiciary to continue consulting and updating magistrates throughout this process.
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The text reads: media statement
  • Wider justice system

Measures announced to increase prison capacity

We support measures to reduce the use of short-term prison sentences.
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The text reads: media statement
  • Wider justice system

Single Justice Procedure and magistrates’ role

A response to the recent media coverage.
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The text reads: media statement
  • Diversity, disparity and inclusion
  • Wider justice system

Funding for maintenance in court buildings

Accessibility must be the driving principle behind this investment.
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The text reads: media statement
  • Diversity, disparity and inclusion

Inclusive language

We make no apology for using inclusive language.
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The text reads: media statement
  • Wider justice system

Consultation on a new code of practice for cautions

We welcome proposals to end the current postcode lottery.
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The text reads: media statement
  • Diversity, disparity and inclusion
  • Practicalities of being a magistrate

Recruitment drive

The magistracy should reflect the communities it serves.
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