About the New York State Magistrates Association
The New York State Magistrates Association is an organization of approximately 3,200
sitting and retired Town and Village Justices. There are approximately 2,250 positions of Town
and Village Justices statewide filled by 2,075 men and women. Some of the justices sit as both a
Town and Village Justice. Town and Village Justices make up approximately 2/3 of all sitting
Justices in the State of New York. Click here to go to a membership application
NEW YORK STATE MAGISTRATES ASSOCIATION
163 DELAWARE AVENUE - SUITE 108
DELMAR, NEW YORK 12054
1-800-669-6247
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
ADDITIONAL TRAINING:
NYSMA offers additional non-mandatory training sessions in conjunction with the
Unified Court System at sites throughout the state. This training is on topics which our members
feel require additional clarification and explanations, and frequently earn elective credits. These
sessions are coordinated through the local county magistrates associations. Only members of
NYSMA are notified of the date and location of these sessions.
TRACKING LEGISLATION:
The Association tracks legislation at the state level and keeps the local county
associations informed of proposed changes in the law that are of interest to us or will affect our
local courts. On important legislation, NYSMA informs lawmakers of our members’ opinions.
LIAISON WITH GOVERNMENT:
NYSMA has many committees that work with state agencies to improve our working
conditions and court efficiency. NYSMA works with the Department of Motor Vehicles,
Department of Criminal Justice Services, and The Unified Court System Education Committee.
Our organizations members are serving throughout the state.
THE MAGISTRATE MAGAZINE:
The Magistrate is published 4 times a year to provide information and educational
material needed by local justices. You will find articles on the Judiciary; on state and local
government issues; news from the local courts and the county magistrates associations; and new
legislation up date; You will find digests of recent Appellate Court Decisions including the New
York Court of Appeals. The Unified Courts System Resource Center for the town and village
courts provides in-depth analysis and guidance in the regular feature articles dealing with those
questions most frequently asked of their staff attorneys by local court justices.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
The highlight of any justice’s year is having the opportunity to attend the annual
Magistrates Association conference. It is an opportunity to learn and to share experiences with
fellow Justices. The camaraderie will bring you back annually. The speakers, vendors,
exhibitors, and seminars are outstanding. Sightseeing, recreation leisure, and entertainment are
offered for those who wish to participate in such activities. The Unified Court System offers both
sessions of the mandatory and qualified elective credit toward annual training. New York State
will reimburse members of our organization who attend our annual meeting, which is held during
the conference, for their mileage and the cost of one day’s meals and lodging.
DISTINCTIVE ASSOCIATION LICENSE PLATES
NYSMA has a distinctive New York State License plate, which is available to members.
To obtain an “SMA” plate you must first join the New York Magistrates Association and notify
our Director of your interest in the plate. The Department of Motor Vehicles charges the regular
“vanity plate” fee as long as you remain a member in good standing of our association even after
retiring from the bench.
NYSMA LOGO PRODUCTS
Licensed logo products such as golf shirts, hats, sweaters, key rings, pens, mugs and
many other items are available for purchase by members. Advertisements from authorized
vendors appear in the Magistrate for convenience of ordering. These items are also available at
our vendor’s booth at the convention. (Licensed Vendor)--- Amarosa Specialty Products --www.amaspecialty.com
JOIN NOW!!!
The cost membership and the yearly dues are based upon the justice’s annual salary.
Most Towns and Villages reimburse their Justices for the cost of membership, each year,
recognizing that membership allows their Justices to be better educated and trained for the
benefit of the communities they serve.
Upon joining, you will receive a membership card and a decal for your vehicle. You will
automatically begin receiving the Magistrate and other publications as they are printed. We
would love to have you as a member. Join with 90% of your fellow sitting Justices. Our goal is
to have 100% representation and we need you. An application for membership is online. If you
have any questions, please feel free to call our Executive Director at 1-800-669-6247.
If you are presently a Town Justice, Village Justice or Acting Village Justice and you are
not a member of the New York State Magistrates Association, you are missing out on a great
opportunity. There are many advantages to belonging. Our prestigious Association is highly
respected. We are proud to advise you that 90% of sitting Town and Village Justices enjoy the
many benefits derived from membership in our organization.