Organising successful events for your branch
In this blog, we’ll cover all there is to consider when organising an event, from finding a venue, to identifying and engaging speakers, running the event and getting feedback afterwards.
- Volunteer only
Branch event planning checklist
- Volunteer only
Talking about mental health
In this blog, MA member Sonal Dave discusses the importance of communication when it comes to protecting our mental health.
- Practicalities of being a magistrate
We welcome recommendations in Part 2 of the Leveson Review
The Magistrates' Association has broadly welcomed the recommendations in Part 2 of Sir Brian Leveson’s Independent Review of Criminal Courts, published today.
- Wider justice system
Brief for magistrates on Part 2 of the Independent Review of the Criminal Courts
The Magistrates’ Association has put together this briefing for all magistrates, highlighting those recommendations specific to the magistrates’ courts in Part 2 of Sir Brian Leveson's Independent Review of the Criminal Courts.
- Wider justice system
MA welcomes retention of ‘Nightingale Courts’
Our response to today’s government announcement that the four remaining ‘Nightingale Courts’ will remain open.
- Wider justice system
Facts and figures
Everything you need to know about us and the magistracy.
MA responds to Sentencing Bill’s Royal Assent
We respond to the Sentencing Act which became law yesterday.
- Wider justice system
Latest updates for magistrates: January 2026
Read our latest updates from across the justice system. This month we look at the government's proposed reforms to the criminal courts, the new Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy, an expansion to the Pathfinder model, Family Mediation Week, and a new inquiry into children and young adults in the secure estate. Just for members.
- Family court matters
- Wider justice system
- Youth court matters
Criminal Courts Review: further evidence
Further written evidence from the MA to the Commons Justice Committee, following in-person evidence from National Chair David Ford JP on 13 January 2026.
- Adult court matters
- Family court matters
- Wider justice system
- Youth court matters
Autistic children and the court system
In this blog, MA member and retired family and criminal magistrate Anthony Melnikoff JP discusses autistic children and the court system.
- Diversity, disparity and inclusion
- Wider justice system
- Youth court matters
Islamophobia awareness webinar – Stop Hate
This Islamophobia Awareness webinar will be run by UK charity 'Stop Hate UK'. You will learn what hate crimes and hate incidents are, the impact of hate crime, Islamophobia in the UK (with contextual examples), Islamophobia and the press , the impact of secularism and about online hate and how it contributes to Islamophobia.
- Adult court matters
- Diversity, disparity and inclusion
- Victims
Diversity and Inclusion Networks Drop-In
This webinar brings together magistrates from across the Diversity and Inclusion Networks for an opportunity to connect, share experiences, and shape future work. With more than 1,400 magistrates involved, the Networks play a vital role in informing the Magistrates’ Association’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee and supporting the development of inclusive policies and practice. The event is open to members of all four networks: LGBT+ Magistrates, Black, Asian and Global Majority Magistrates, Young Magistrates, and Disabled Magistrates. Following the main session, participants will join network-specific breakout groups to meet peers and discuss the issues that matter most to them.
New magistrate webinar
If you are a magistrate who is relatively new, or going through the process of applying to become a magistrate then you might want to attend this webinar.
- Practicalities of being a magistrate
MA members in New Year Honours List
Three members were honoured for services to the magistracy and justice.
- Practicalities of being a magistrate
- Wider justice system
We comment on the growing court backlogs
The Magistrates' Association comments on the latest criminal court statistics covering July to September 2025.
- Wider justice system
Celebrating our members with the annual MA awards
An annual tradition, the Magistrates’ Association’s awards are an opportunity for members and branches to recognise those who have gone the extra mile for their branch, their community, or the MA.
Magistrates’ Association appoints new Chief Executive
The Magistrates’ Association will have a new Chief Executive in March 2026.
Sentencing Council 2026 data collection – sentencing dangerous driving
In this guest blog, Lady Justice May, Chair of the Sentencing Council, explains why the Sentencing Council will be collecting data on serious driving offences in magistrates' courts next year.
- Wider justice system
A vote of confidence for magistrates: the Leveson review
The Independent Review of the Criminal Courts – also known as the Leveson Review – recommended radical reform of the courts – and the government’s response is arguably more radical still. In this blog, exclusively for members, our Chief Executive Tom Franklin explores our role in shaping the review, and what we think will happen next.
- Wider justice system
