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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.

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  • Adult court matters
  • Family court matters
  • Wider justice system
  • Youth court matters

Open Data

In this advocacy report - on open data in our courts in England and Wales - we make the case that embracing an open data approach will enhance and improve data publication, and is a natural next step in achieving a vision of more open justice.

Drawing from recent examples and a literature review, we illustrate the benefits and barriers to open data in justice. We propose an alternative approach to justice data and make eight recommendations for action.

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  • Adult court matters
  • Wider justice system

Out of Court resolutions (adult)

Our position statement on Out of Court Resolutions (OOCRs) recognises that OOCRs play a useful role in the justice system. They can be valuable for first-time, low-level offences and can reduce unnecessary criminalisation. But their use must not compromise open justice or judicial oversight - complementing, not replacing, the courts.
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  • Wider justice system
  • Youth court matters

Out-of-court resolutions in the youth jurisdiction

The function and use of OOCRs in the youth justice system is different to the adult jurisdiction. Our position statement on Out-of-court resolutions (OOCRs) in the youth jurisdiction explores our members concerns, especially around: consistency of practice, bypassing of judicial oversight, and current transparency practices.
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  • Addictions and drug issues
  • Adult court matters
  • Victims

Community Sentences

Our position statement on Community Sentences calls for a renewed focus on community sentencing, built on three pillars: Credibility (proper resourcing of probation and timely commencement of orders), Transparency (data-sharing, so magistrates can see outcomes and breaches) and local coherence (clear links between courts, probation, police and local agencies).
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  • Adult court matters
  • Family court matters
  • Practicalities of being a magistrate
  • Youth court matters

Safety and security in the magistrates’ courts

In April 2025, we surveyed members to understand their thoughts and experiences relating to their safety and security inside and outside the magistrates’ courts. To our knowledge, this is the first survey of its kind put to the lay judiciary. The report makes for concerning reading and we've made 20 recommendations for change.
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  • Practicalities of being a magistrate

Magistrates Matter

Magistrates make a massive and vital contribution to the justice system, but don’t always receive the support and recognition they deserve. Our new report 'Magistrates matter – A plan to ensure magistrates are valued, appreciated and recognised' calls for fundamental reform and makes seven recommendations that we believe will better recognise magistrates’ contribution and service.
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  • Adult court matters
  • Family court matters
  • Youth court matters

Reforms to Local Justice Areas position statement

While we support reform that delivers greater efficiency and better outcomes, we are concerned that the proposals in the Local Justice Areas consultation lack a cohesive vision, apply a one-size-fits-all model, and risk weakening the core principles of local justice. We fear they may damage morale and lead to resignations, undermining efforts to grow magistrate numbers and reduce court backlogs.
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  • Diversity, disparity and inclusion
  • Practicalities of being a magistrate

Half-day sittings

Our new position statement on half-day sittings is based on our members’ experiences and views. There is considerable variation between benches about accommodating requests for half-day sittings, with some benches allowing them and some not. Half-day sittings enable magistrates with additional commitments like employment, young children, or caring responsibilities to sit – likewise for many disabled magistrates, who may find it difficult to sit for a full day. Our position statement advances a case for half-day sittings being available to all magistrates – an arrangement that we feel would improve individual experiences for some magistrates and benefit the magistracy as a whole.
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  • Adult court matters
  • Diversity, disparity and inclusion
  • Youth court matters

Turning 18 in the youth jurisdiction

Every year, hundreds of children are charged with offences that do not reach court until the child has turned 18. This leads to childhood criminality being dealt with in the adult court, which lacks the specialist focus on welfare and preventing reoffending that underpin the youth jurisdiction. We believe that offences committed during childhood should be retained in the youth justice system.
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  • Adult court matters

Single Justice Procedure

Reflecting hundreds of our members’ insights into hearing Single Justice Procedure (SJP) cases over the last eight years since it was introduced, our position statement highlights that the SJP needs reform if it is to be seen as fair and transparent. We have made twelve recommendations to improve the operation, transparency and fairness of the SJP.
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  • 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.
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  • Adult court matters

Utility warrants for pre-payment meters

We address magistrates' role in applications for installation of pre-payment meters and how vulnerability is considered. We stress that reform of this system should be pursued in Parliament.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • Adult court matters
  • Youth court matters

Victim surcharge increase

We oppose the increase in victim surcharge rates. Magistrates apply the law as reformed after this consultation but we continue to raise our concerns around the use of the victim surcharge in youth court and the impact on people on low incomes.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • Adult court matters
  • Diversity, disparity and inclusion

Unauthorised encampments

We oppose the creation of a specific new criminal offence that could lead to excessive or unintentional criminalisation.
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  • Adult court matters
  • Knife and weapon crime
  • Youth court matters

Knife crime prevention orders

We call for caution in the implementation of Knife Crime Prevention Orders as the current law already covers knife crime offences adequately. Police should send cases to court rather than imposing restrictive orders without court oversight.
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  • Family court matters
  • Wider justice system

Legal Aid

We voice our concern about the increase in unrepresented litigants appearing in criminal and family jurisdictions following the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 and the negative impacts on participation that result.
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