Learn about magistrates
Magistrates make many of the legal decisions in England and Wales.
We exist to help the magistracy be its best for all of society
We're the only membership body and independent voice for magistrates. We promote the sound administration of the law, campaign on policy and practice relating to the magistracy, provide support and development guidance to magistrates, and inform the public about the magistracy and the justice system
26 November 2025
Practicalities of being a magistrate
Reflections on our 2025 National Conference and AGM
Chief Executive Tom Franklin shares his thoughts and reflections on both an enjoyable and thought-provoking day in Lancaster.
26 November 2025
Diversity, disparity and inclusion Family court matters Youth court matters
Speaking up for members: November 2025
A round-up of our recent policy and advocacy work.
25 November 2025
Wider justice system
We comment on media reports about jury trials
The Magistrates' Association comments on today's media reports about the Leveson Review of the Criminal Courts and jury trials.
25 November 2025
Family court matters Wider justice system Youth court matters
Latest news for magistrates: November 2025
Read our latest updates from across the justice system. This month we take a look at the government's response to the Hancock review, quarterly statistics on the safety of children in the court estate, the government's intention to repeal the presumption of parental involvement, the Pathfinder pilot expansion, the abolition of Police and Crime Commissioners, and a new report on policy options for fine alternatives. Just for MA members.
Where would you like to go?
Here are some pages you might like to visit
Visit MA learn
We provide tools to develop magistrates’ knowledge and skills. Our member-only learning hub, MA learn, contains more than 200 high-quality resources.
Search our publications library
Browse our advocacy reports, briefing notes, consultation responses and position statements published to support our policy work.
Get updates on news and influencing
We advocate on behalf of our members and inform others about the vital role of the magistracy.
Get involved
Attend an event, join a diversity and inclusion network, participate in our community outreach initiative, volunteer for us, recruit a new member or leave us a gift.
Upcoming events
- Online
Independent Monitoring Board Webinar
The Independent Monitoring Boards (IMBs) play a vital role in ensuring that people in prisons, immigration removal centres, and short-term holding facilities are treated fairly and with dignity.
This webinar offers a unique opportunity to learn more about the work of IMB volunteers and understand how you could make a meaningful difference.
Retired Member Christmas Lunch
Our upcoming retired members’ event will be the annual Christmas lunch on Tuesday 16 December 2025. The Bunch of Grapes in London has been booked from 12.30-4pm. We anticipate this will be an afternoon full of good food, conversation and Christmas cheer.
- Online
Karen Canner – Making honours nominations
You should attend this webinar to hear Karen Canner from the Ministry of Justice explain the guidelines and procedures for nominating magistrates for Honours, like an OBE or MBE.
Our year in numbers
Between July 2022 and June 2023, we've been busy influencing on behalf of and building opportunities for our members to learn, develop and connect.
1
new learning hub with 200 top-notch resources launched
10
webinars on topics from domestic abuse to community sentencing held
11
consultation responses and two advocacy reports published
3
parliamentary committee appearances completed
5
meetings with ministers held to influence on behalf of our members
6
issues of Magistrate magazine published
316
pieces of digital, print and broadcast media coverage landed
178228
website visitors secured
95823
people reached on LinkedIn
421200
people reached on X (formerly Twitter)
1
new support line manned by experienced magistrates launched
3
workshops for new magistrates held
200
members welcomed at our annual conference and awards ceremony
87%
of our members said they would recommend MA membership to others
87%
of our members said they think MA membership is good value for money
Become a member
As a member, you’ll get access to a wealth of benefits to assist you to be the best magistrate you can be, including:
- A learning hub with over 200 resources
- Monthly webinars on topical issues
- A support line run by fellow magistrates
- Engaging e-newsletters and our magazine
- Events where you can meet colleagues
Latest blogs and news
- Diversity, disparity and inclusion
- Family court matters
- Youth court matters
Speaking up for members: November 2025
- Family court matters
- Wider justice system
- Youth court matters
Latest news for magistrates: November 2025
