Be an effective magistrate

Whether you're thinking about becoming a magistrate, just starting out or have been in the role for a while, you'll find all the support you need in our roundup of useful web links below.

Thinking about being a magistrate?

The Magistrates' Association (MA) offers advice and guidance on becoming a magistrate and what the job involves. For the lowdown on what it's really like to be a magistrate, read about Linda Hargreaves' experiences on this site. You can also find out more about the court system in England and Wales in our How Society Works section.

Just started out as a magistrate?

You should be getting plenty of advice and guidance already in your training. However, the MA's website offers plenty of resources, including an introduction to the magistracy, and a page of useful links.

Already serving as a magistrate?

Again, the MA offers everything you need once you've completed your training, including information on conferences, training for trainers and specific resource materials on subjects such as diversity, appraisals, family law, court chairing and effective case management.

General skills

If you've been serving for a while, you might be considering moving up to a chairing role. Find everything you need to know about being the chair on this site. There's other secondary skills you might need as well, such as public speaking, running a public meeting and managing conflict. Plus get all the latest consultation reports and good practice guides at the Lord Chancellor's Department website.

Just want to browse?