The report, based on responses from more than 1,200 sitting magistrates across England and Wales, reveals disturbing incidents including physical attacks in courtrooms, threats from the public gallery, and failures in basic safety systems such as panic buttons and alarms. Magistrates also reported dangerous conditions in court buildings, from broken security doors to crumbling ceilings and unsecured car parks.
Whilst the survey showed that most magistrates feel safe in the courtroom most of the time, respondents raised concerns about the conduct of some defendants and their supporters, as well as doubts about existing safety measures for magistrates and the decaying state of some court buildings. Some respondents highlighted that unclear emergency procedures left them unsure how to act if an incident occurred, raising concerns over the smooth running of trials.
Major findings from the survey include:
- 25 per cent of respondents reported feeling unsafe in court at least once
- 43 per cent of respondents told us that unsafe incidents involved defendants’ behaviour
- Unsafe facilities such as unsecured car parks and inadequate separation from the public were a recurring concern
- 30 per cent of respondents said that they were not confident they knew who they should speak to if an unsafe incident occurred.
As the only independent body representing magistrates in England and Wales, the Magistrates’ Association (MA) is calling for urgent action to ensure magistrates, who volunteer their time to deliver justice, can do so without fear for their safety. Our 20 recommendations include clearer safety procedures, personal emergency evacuation plans for everyone who needs them, but particularly disabled magistrates, proper separation between magistrates and both defendants and the public, improved car park security, and an annual safety survey.
Tom Franklin, Chief Executive of the Magistrates’ Association, said:
“Magistrates play a crucial role in our justice system, so it’s vital that they can all feel safe and supported in the courts. Unfortunately, this survey – of over 1,200 current magistrates – shows that this is not always the case, so we’re calling on the government to do all they can to ensure a safer environment for magistrates and indeed for everyone using our courts.
“We are working with the Ministry of Justice and senior judiciary regarding our survey’s findings, and we have been assured that the security of judicial office holders is a key priority for the senior judiciary. A dedicated Taskforce has been established to review current arrangements and identify areas for improvement, and we hope to work with that Taskforce now and in the future.”
You can read the report and our 20 recommendations for change in full, here. MA members can also read all about the report in the Autumn 2025 edition of Magistrate, the MA’s exclusive members’ magazine – click here to read the magazine.
