The Pathfinder process aims to improve the court experience and outcomes for children and parents involved in private family law proceedings. This blog is the very personal experience of one mum of the Pathfinder process. You can read it here 👇 magistrates-association.org.uk/blog/pathfinde… #justice

The Magistrates’ Association is the membership organisation for magistrates in England and Wales. Magistrates are the backbone of our justice system and we’re the only independent organisation that supports, champions and advocates for them. We’re looking for a talented writer,

In this guest blog, Op NOVA national manager Colin Back discusses the life-changing and often life-saving impact of England's first fully-commissioned, nationally available support service for veterans in the justice system. Any justice system professional can make referrals.

This month, we're celebrating #SouthAsianHeritageMonth – recognising the immense contribution our South Asian members make to their communities every day as #magistrates (thank you!) and learning more about their diverse experiences and histories. This year’s South Asian Heritage Month theme is

Members and followers - we're taking a break from social media until 5 August. During this time, our social media accounts won't be monitored. You can contact us by email or phone: magistrates-association.org.uk/contact/

We're always advocating on behalf of our members - calling for change and reform, to support magistrates in their vital work. Since May, we've been working on: ✅David Gauke's Independent Review of Sentencing ✅Brian Leveson’s Criminal Courts Review ✅Improving family court

September is besea.n East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) Heritage Month - a month-long celebration of East and South East Asian heritage, culture and history, and to learn about the many ways that these communities have helped shape the UK. To mark the month we're sharing a blog -

We’re looking for a talented Policy and Research Officer to join our small, friendly team. If you’re passionate about justice, skilled at turning evidence into clear and persuasive policy, and eager to make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you. Visit our website to find out

In this guest blog, Rosie Plummer, the North Service Manager on The Children's Society's Prevention Programme explains how #magistrates can identify victims of exploitation in court and how to supportively engage with them. It's well worth a read: magistrates-association.org.uk/blog/lookclose… Blogs like

Members - have you received the latest edition of 'Magistrate', our member magazine? Our Autumn 2025 edition is full of features, stories and updates to help you develop as a magistrate and make the most of your MA membership. It includes: ✅ our latest advocacy report, on the

We’re looking for our next Chief Executive – an inspiring, strategic leader with organisational and financial acumen, experience of growing membership organisations, and the ability to gain and build trust with senior stakeholders. The Magistrates’ Association is the only

The Magistrates' Association has responded to today's Ministry of Justice criminal court statistics quarterly, which showed increases in crown and magistrate court backlogs. Tom Franklin, Chief Executive of the Magistrates’ Association said: "Today’s criminal court statistics paint a

It's October, so it's Black History Month Black History Month 2025 which this year is highlighting the contributions made by black leaders, activists, and pioneers. Throughout the month we'll be celebrating the lives of some Black legal pioneers. First up is double-trailblazer Pauline Henriques

In celebration of Black History Month 2025, today we honour the life and work of Eric Irons OBE, who became Britain's first black magistrate in 1962. Born in Jamaica in 1921, Eric served in the RAF during WWII. After the war, Eric settled in Nottingham, where he campaigned for social justice,

Continuing our celebration of black legal pioneers for Black History Month 2025, we're sharing the story of Christian Frederick Cole, who became England's first black barrister when he was called to the bar in 1883. Born in Sierra Leone in 1852, Christian was the first black student to attend

On Saturday, we were delighted to host members at our in-person event Stepping Up: Challenges and opportunities for Black, Asian and global majority magistrates. Coinciding with Black History Month 2025, magistrates came together to celebrate progress and discussed how best to support each other

Are you a magistrate looking to brush up on the Guide to Judicial Conduct? Members can head to MA learn - our learning and CPD hub - for a new course on how magistrates can apply the principles of the Guide to everyday life. We’ve split it into 14 handy bite-sized pieces, so you

“Despite the challenges, I consider being a magistrate one of my biggest personal accomplishments and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the role to others.” This Black History Month UK, we’re sharing the reflections of MA member Abiola as she discusses her experiences

Are you a magistrate looking to enhance your role and boost your skills, while connecting with a supportive community of your fellow JPs? Look no further than joining the The Magistrates' Association. Membership offers you more. More knowledge, more chances to meet fellow magistrates, more

Earlier this month, we were delighted to host Stepping Up, a conference for magistrates from Black, Asian and global majority backgrounds and their allies. Here, Sarah Sawyerr JP, Black, Asian and global majority network representative on the The Magistrates' Association Diversity and inclusion