The Latest Breaking News from the Magistrates Association

Stroke victim convicted in fast-track court over unpaid £16.67 car bill

The 47-year-old mother has been forced to stop driving due to recurring seizures

The Independent UK · Sep 28

Rogue prosecutors should be banned from fast-track Single Justice Procedure courts, say magistrates

Rogue prosecutors should be banned from Britain’s controversial fast-track courts if caught abusing the system, say magistrates in a backing for The Standard’s campaign for an overhaul of the Single Justice Procedure (SJP).

Evening Standard · May 13, 2025

Lawyers oppose juryless trials fix for courts crisis

Lawyers says getting rid of some jury trials could damage public confidence in the justice system

Evening Standard · Feb 13, 2025

Single Justice Procedure: Magistrates demand changes to controversial fast-track courts

Magistrates across the country want change to the Single Justice Procedure, but the government says it has ‘no plans’ for change

Evening Standard · Mar 25, 2024

Record number of trials adjourned over failure to bring suspects from prison to court

Exclusive: Defendants stuck in custody vans miles from court while victims, witnesses, lawyers and police spend wasted hours awaiting them at ‘untold’ cost

The Independent UK · Sep 27, 2023

Most magistrates courts in England and Wales have accessibility failings

Survey reveals three-quarters are inadequate for disabled people with problems such as lack of ramps

The Guardian - UK · Jun 19, 2023