Speaking up for members: May 2026
Your latest update on our policy, advocacy and media work.
- Wider justice system
New legislation sees community safety strengthened and victims centred
Last week saw both the Crime and Policing Act and the Victims and Courts Act receive Royal Assent – two pieces of legislation which will have a far-reaching impact on the criminal justice system, including the magistrates’ courts.
- Adult court matters
- Victims
- Wider justice system
Latest sector updates for magistrates: April 2026
Read our updates from across the justice system. This month includes the government's new National Magistrates Recruitment Taskforce, an update on the Courts and Tribunals Bill, and the introduction of "blitz" courts. Just for members.
- Family court matters
- Practicalities of being a magistrate
- Wider justice system
- Youth court matters
Recruitment of new magistrates: The Challenge for 2026
Professor Simon Burtonshaw-Gunn is MA Cheshire Branch Secretary and a Member of the Lord Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Justices of the Peace. In this blog, he discusses the challenges that face the government's large-scale magistrate recruitment campaign.
- Diversity, disparity and inclusion
- Practicalities of being a magistrate
- Wider justice system
Election guidance for magistrates and branches
In this blog for members, we offer some useful help and tips for dealing with the media during elections.
- Member only
Are you interested in becoming a magistrate?
If you are interested in becoming a magistrate, join us on 22nd April for an insight on what it means to be a magistrate. Hear from sitting magistrates and MA members.
- Practicalities of being a magistrate
MA elections 2026
Have you ever thought about becoming a trustee of the Magistrates’ Association (MA) – helping to shape its future direction, and taking a greater part in activities at a national level?
We comment on plans for recruiting new magistrates
Our thoughts on the Government's new magistrate recruitment campaign, which launched on 16 April 2026. This is the text of an email sent to members the same day.
- Wider justice system
MA calls for urgent national reform of Out of Court Resolutions
Magistrates’ Association warns of “shadow justice system” as Out of Court Resolutions expand without oversight.
- Adult court matters
- Domestic abuse
- Knife and weapon crime
- Wider justice system
- Youth court matters
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.
- Adult court matters
- Wider justice system
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.
- Wider justice system
- Youth court matters
How alcohol complicates sentencing
Dr Carly Lightowlers, Reader in Criminology at the University of Liverpool, discusses how alcohol is a pervasive yet ambiguous factor in sentencing.
- Addictions and drug issues
- Adult court matters
- Wider justice system
Victim Support Witness Service
Join this webinar to hear LaToya Ridge, Senior Mobilisation Manager at Victim Support to talk about their transition into delivering the witness service. This service offers 24/7 support to anyone who has been a victim of a crime or witness. Previously held by Citizens Advice, Victim Support will be delivering the service from 1 April. Attend this webinar to find out about how Victim Support will continue the service, as well as learn about the new innovations and developments that will be introduced.
Local Justice Area consultation outcome
A joint consultation by the Ministry of Justice and Judicial Office on the reform of Local Justice Areas started in early 2025. Following submissions by the MA, our members and branches, benches, and other stakeholders, the government issued its response in March 2026. This briefing summarises the consultation response, proposal by proposal, alongside our recommendations and final decisions.
- Practicalities of being a magistrate
Latest sector updates for magistrates: March 2026
Read our updates from across the justice system. This month includes the government's response to the LJA reform consultation, the nationwide expansion of child focused courts, an update on the Courts and Tribunals Bill, and more. Just for members.
- Adult court matters
- Family court matters
- Wider justice system
How can magistrates recognise stalking behaviours
Sarah Butters JP is the Domestic Abuse and Stalking Link on the MA’s Adult Crime Committee and a Trustee at the Alice Ruggles Trust. In this blog, she discusses stalking behaviours, their impact on victims, and the importance of Stalking Protection Orders.
- Adult court matters
- Victims
- women
Government justice reforms will fail without reforming and investing in community sentences
The MA said today that the current provision of community sentences is not fit for purpose, and without investment and reform, will derail the government’s planned criminal justice reforms.
- Adult court matters
- Practicalities of being a magistrate
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).
- Addictions and drug issues
- Adult court matters
- Victims
Our bench is infinitely stronger when perspectives vary
“Neurodiversity is part of human diversity. A bench that reflects different ways of thinking is far better equipped to deliver fair and considered justice” says MA member Charlotte Fordyce, who writes about neurodiversity in this fascinating blog.
- Diversity, disparity and inclusion
- Practicalities of being a magistrate
MA welcomes nationwide expansion of Child Focused Courts
We respond to the expansion of Child Focused Courts – formerly known as Pathfinder Courts – across England and Wales.
- Family court matters
