Skip Main Navigation
Become a member

Enter your search term here…

Recommended searches

becoming a magistrate local justice member support line single justice procedure
Share this page

Publications

We produce advocacy reports, briefing notes, consultation responses and position statements to support our policy work. Use the search box or filters to find what you're looking for, and drop us a line with any questions.

Filter:

Filter
  • Diversity, disparity and inclusion
  • Practicalities of being a magistrate

Inaccessible courts: a barrier to justice

We reveal that three quarters of magistrates courts are insufficiently accessible. We identify the barriers this creates for the public and magistrates and make six recommendations to urgently address the systemic issues in the court estate.
Read more Download , opens dialog
  • Adult court matters
  • Wider justice system
  • Youth court matters

Out of court disposals: Fit for purpose or in need of reform?

We reveal a lack of comprehensive scrutiny of out of court disposals (OOCDs) and call for reforms to ensure consistent use and scrutiny of these police powers. We make seven recommendations that will, if implemented, achieve this.
Read more Download , opens dialog
  • Practicalities of being a magistrate

It shouldn’t cost to volunteer

Our seminal report on the costs to volunteer to be a magistrate uses findings of a survey of nearly 1,400 magistrates. It finds that the expenses regime does not compensate losses fully, leaving the majority of magistrates consistently out-of-pocket.
Read more Download , opens dialog
  • Adult court matters
  • Wider justice system
  • Youth court matters

Magistrates’ courts and Covid-19

Our report reveals the negative impacts of remote links to conduct criminal cases in magistrate’s courts including poor technology provision during the pandemic and the damaging effects for communication, morale, and the gravity of court proceedings.
Read more Download , opens dialog
  • Diversity, disparity and inclusion
  • Practicalities of being a magistrate

Providing support to employed magistrates

Our young magistrates' network sets out the necessary steps to support magistrates who are employed. It makes recommendations for better resources and signposting.
Read more Download , opens dialog
  • Adult court matters
  • Youth court matters

Maturity in the magistrates’ court

Our research shows that lack of maturity should be properly acknowledged but is often raised too late in the magistrate’s court process. We call for maturity to be independently assessed and information presented to the court at a first hearing.
Read more Download , opens dialog
  • Adult court matters
  • Wider justice system
  • Youth court matters

Scrutiny Panel research report

We identify good practice and the key benefits of using scrutiny panels to ensue oversight of out of court disposals. We conclude that there is a key role for both magistrates and the CPS in scrutiny of police powers to address crime.
Read more Download , opens dialog
Close