Spring 2024 Bench update
This is a short report on the activities of the Magistrates’ Association (MA) on behalf of magistrates. Members can copy text from this PDF and use it in their own communications.
- Volunteer only
Helping your branch be the best it can be
Talking to members and branch executive teams, we’ve found some really good examples of things that branches do for their members.
- Volunteer only
The Magistrates’ Association meets its branches: Spring 2024
Lisa Whitehead, our head of membership, events and branch development, shares a round-up of our recent regional meetings.
- Volunteer only
Amendments to guidelines with the Sentencing Council
Join our webinar to learn about the changes made to mitigating factors, including the introduction of a dedicated mitigating factor for pregnancy, childbirth and post-natal care. This is relevant to all sentencers, so shouldn't be missed!
Policy Question Time
MA committees are made up of experienced magistrates who steer research, development, and implementation of policy in their specialist areas. Our committees are a core part of how the MA functions. This is now your chance to ask our policy committee chairs and deputies anything you want on policies and the policy-making process. Register for this event now and submit questions to our committee chairs via the registration form.
Diversity and inclusion: What we’ve been doing, and how to get involved
Sarah Sawyerr, diversity and inclusion committee representative for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic network, shares a round-up of the committee’s and networks’ recent work.
- Diversity, disparity and inclusion
A call to retired members: join our Magistrates in the Community Initiative
In this blog, we talk about how our retired members can play an active role in promoting the magistracy and engaging their local communities.
- Wider justice system
Magistrates’ Association in the news: March 2024
A round-up of our recent media coverage
- Adult court matters
- Wider justice system
- Youth court matters
Single Justice Procedure needs reform, say Magistrates
- Adult court matters
- Practicalities of being a magistrate
- Wider justice system
Single Justice Procedure needs reform, say magistrates
- Adult court matters
- Wider justice system
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.
- Adult court matters
Royal Garden Party reception – 21 May
Join us at our offices in St George's Wharf, for the Royal Garden Party reception on 21 May 2024. This event is exclusively for members who have Royal Garden Party tickets. Please do not book on to this event unless you have a ticket.
Royal Garden Party reception – 8 May
Join us at our offices in St George's Wharf, for the Royal Garden Party reception on 8 May 2024. This event is exclusively for members who have Royal Garden Party tickets. Please do not book on to this event unless you have a ticket.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week: Understanding ADHD
For Neurodiversity Celebration Week (18–24 March 2024), we're sharing an article by MA member Hanne Van Hirtum JP, who tells us about her experience of having ADHD and offers advice on supporting neurodivergent defendants and magistrates
- Diversity, disparity and inclusion
Retired member event featuring Phil Maguire from Prison Radio
Phil Maguire from the Prison Radio Association (PRA) will join us to speak about the charity behind National Prison Radio, the world’s first national radio station for people in prison.
Four top tips to support a fasting colleague during Ramadan
Read our guidance on Ramadan and how you can best support a Muslim colleague who is fasting.
- Diversity, disparity and inclusion
- Practicalities of being a magistrate
Redesigning justice for women and their children: the answers lie in the community
Edwina Grosvenor, Founder of One Small Thing, discusses Hope Street in Hampshire, a community alternative to prison for women and their children.
- Adult court matters
Imposition Guideline
We welcome the proposed Imposition guideline and feel that its sections addressing specific offender cohorts offer valuable sentencing guidance. However, we’ve also called for comprehensive training to help magistrates navigate the lengthy guidance, and that probation services must be fully resourced and supported for effective information sharing in court and to support the guideline's implementation.
- Adult court matters
- Youth court matters
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.
- Wider justice system
Branch capitation guidelines from February 2024
A guide to how the branch capitations grants are worked out.
- Volunteer only