Category: Judiciary

The judiciary which is also known as the judicial system, judicature, judicial branch, judiciative branch, and court or judiciary system) is the system of courts that adjudicates legal disputes/disagreements and interprets, defends, and applies the law in legal cases.

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Judiciary

Lord Chief Justice

lord chief justice

The Lord Chief Justice is the most senior judge in England and Wales, and is responsible for the administration of justice. Since the 1st October 2023 Dame Sue Carr is the first Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales.

The role of The Lord Chief Justice (LCJ) is to oversee the judiciary and ensure that the courts operate efficiently and effectively. This position is a vital one in the legal system, and the Lord Chief Justice plays a significant role in upholding the rule of law in England and Wales.

The Lord Chief Justice is also President of all the Courts of England and Wales. The Lord Chief Justice sits in both the Criminal and Civil divisions of the Court of Appeal, in the Divisional Court and also, by invitation, in the UK Supreme Court.

Under the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, the Lord Chief Justice (LCJ) has some 400 statutory (required by law) duties. The LCJ’s key responsibilities include:

  • Representing the views of the judiciary of England and Wales to Parliament and Government.
  • The welfare, training and guidance of the judiciary of England and Wales. The Lord Chief Justice discusses with Government the provision of resources for the judiciary, which are allotted by the Lord Chancellor.
  • The deployment of judges and allocation of work in courts in England and Wales.
Lord Chief Justice Courts and Tribunals Judiciary

You may also be interested in our article on the Lady Chief Justice, Master of the Rolls and the Lord Chancellor.

History of the Lord Chief Justice

The history of the Lord Chief Justice dates back to the 12th century, when the office of the Chief Justiciar was established in England. This office was responsible for overseeing the administration of justice in the country, and was considered the most important legal office in the land.

Over time, the role of the Chief Justiciar evolved, and in 1234, the office of the Lord Chief Justice was established by King Henry III. This new position was created to provide greater independence and authority to the judiciary, and to ensure that justice was administered fairly and impartially.

The Lord Chief Justice is appointed by the King on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. The appointment is made from a list of candidates prepared by an independent panel of legal experts. The Lord Chief Justice holds the position for a fixed term of five years, after which he or she may be re-appointed for another term.

The Lord Chief Justice has a number of important responsibilities. These include presiding over the Court of Appeal, which is the second highest court in the land, and overseeing the High Court and the Crown Court. The Lord Chief Justice also plays a key role in the development of the law, and is responsible for ensuring that the judiciary is properly trained and equipped to handle the complex legal issues that arise in the modern world.

One of the key functions of the Lord Chief Justice is to ensure that justice is administered fairly and impartially. This means that the Lord Chief Justice must be independent of political influence, and must make decisions based solely on the evidence presented in court. The Lord Chief Justice is also responsible for ensuring that the court system operates efficiently and effectively, and that the rights of defendants and victims are protected.

The Lord Chief Justice is assisted in his or her duties by a team of judges, including the Lord Justice of Appeal and the High Court judges. These judges are responsible for hearing cases and making judgments in accordance with the law. The Lord Chief Justice also works closely with the Ministry of Justice and the Attorney General’s office to ensure that the legal system operates effectively and efficiently.

In addition to his or her legal duties, the Lord Chief Justice also plays an important role in promoting the legal profession and upholding the principles of justice and fairness. The Lord Chief Justice is often called upon to speak publicly on legal issues, and to represent the legal profession in national and international forums. The Lord Chief Justice is also responsible for ensuring that the legal profession maintains high ethical standards, and that lawyers and judges act with integrity and professionalism at all times.

The role of the Lord Chief Justice is a complex and demanding one, and requires a deep understanding of the law and the legal system. The Lord Chief Justice must be able to balance the demands of the legal profession with the needs of society, and must be able to make difficult decisions in the face of complex legal issues. The Lord Chief Justice must also be able to work closely with other members of the judiciary, as well as with government officials, to ensure that the legal system operates smoothly and effectively.

In recent years, the role of the Lord Chief Justice has become even more important, as the legal system has become more complex and the demands on the judiciary have increased. The Lord Chief Justice must be able to adapt to changing circumstances, and to ensure that the legal system remains effective in the face of new challenges and developments.

Former Lord Chief Justice

The former Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales is Ian Duncan Burnett, who has held the position since October 2017.

Ian Burnett was called The Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales – The Right Honourable Lord Burnett of Maldon. In Court he is addressed as My Lord.

Lord Burnett studied law at Pembroke College, Oxford and was called to the Bar in 1980 where he became a pupil and then a member of Temple Garden Chambers. He practised there until May 2008, for the last five years as Head of Chambers.

At the Bar Lord Burnett’s practice was in common law and public law. In the early part of his career he undertook a broad range of common law work including personal injury, professional negligence, landlord and tenant, crime and family law. Thereafter he focussed on public and administrative law, personal injury and health and safety law, including acting as junior counsel to the King’s Cross Fire inquiry and to the inquiry into the convictions of the Guildford Four and Maguire family. He was leading counsel to the inquiry into the Southall rail crash and into train protection systems following the Paddington train crash.

Lord Burnett was Junior Counsel for the Crown, Common Law from 1992 and was appointed as Queen’s Counsel (now King’s Counsel) in 1998.

Lord Burnett’s first judicial role came on his appointment as a Recorder in 1998, in which capacity he sat part-time in the Crown Court trying criminal cases. On his appointment to the High Court in 2008 Lord Burnett joined the Queen’s Bench Division (now King’s Bench Division) hearing civil law and public law cases in the Administrative Court as well as hearing serious criminal matters out of London and sitting in the Court of Appeal, Criminal Division.

Lord Burnett was Presiding Judge of the Western Circuit from 2011 until 2014 when he was appointed to the Court of Appeal. He was also Deputy Chairman of the Security Vetting Appeals Panel. In the Court of Appeal Lord Burnett heard the full range of civil, family and criminal appeals and continued to sit in Divisional Courts of the High Court. Lord Burnett was the judge of the Court of Appeal with responsibility for extradition cases and was also supervising Lord Justice for immigration and public law appeals. He was Vice Chairman of the independent Judicial Appointments Commission from November 2015 until March 2017. He was appointed Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales on 1 October 2017 at the age of 59.

Judiciary UK – Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales – The Right Honourable Lord Burnett of Maldon

As Lord Chief Justice, Lord Burnett was responsible for overseeing the administration of justice in England and Wales, and for ensuring that the legal system operates fairly and efficiently. He also played an important role in promoting the independence and integrity of the judiciary, and in ensuring that judges and lawyers maintain high ethical standards.

In addition to his role as Lord Chief Justice, Burnett also served as a member of the Privy Council. He is widely respected for his legal expertise and his commitment to upholding the rule of law, and is regarded as one of the most influential legal figures in the UK today.

Lord Chief Justice Vacancy January 2023

The Judicial Appointments Commission published the following on the 16th January 2023 (updated 1 February 2023)

The Lord Chancellor has asked the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) to convene a selection panel to recommend a candidate to fill the position of Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales.

The exercise launched on 30 January 2023, and anyone interested in making an application should contact the JAC’s Head of Senior Appointments and panel secretary, Lisa Grant, for further information on the eligibility and selection criteria and details of the documentation required to make an application. Candidates must submit a “Notice of Intent” to apply for the role by close of 6 February 2023.

Once we receive confirmation of a candidate’s “Notice of Intent” we will provide them with the relevant application forms and details of the required written submission.  This part of the process will close on 6 March 2023. Interviews are expected to take place on 21 April 2023.

The role is complex, high profile and demanding, requiring a judge and leader of the highest calibre.  Applications are welcome from talented individuals of all backgrounds

If you are interested in making an application and you think you have the requisite evidence to do so, please send an email to lisa.grant@judicialappointments.gov.uk in order to request an information pack.

All enquiries are dealt with in the strictest confidence.

A copy of the candidate information pack can be downloaded here:
A copy of the “Notice of intent to apply” form can be downloaded here:

Lord Chief Justice Vacancy Judicial Appointments Commission

Appointment and Selection Process

The appointment of the Lord Chief Justice is made by His Majesty The King on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Lord Chancellor following the recommendation of an independent selection panel chaired by Helen Pitcher OBE, Chair of the Judicial Appointments Commission . The other members were Lord Lloyd-Jones of the Supreme Court,  Sue Hoyle OBE and Sarah Lee (lay and professional members of the Judicial Appointments Commission), and Lord Justice Edis (Senior Presiding Judge).

This selection exercise was run under the relevant sections of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 as amended by the Crime and Courts Act 2013. In accordance with section 70 of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, as amended by the Crime and Courts Act 2013, the panel determined the selection process to be followed and consulted the Lord Chancellor and the First Minister of Wales on the process followed.

In accordance with s.10(3) of the Senior Courts Act 1981 c.54, the selection exercise was open to all applicants who satisfied the judicial-appointment eligibility condition on a 7-year basis, or were judges of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, or High Court.

Given the challenges of reducing the outstanding caseloads across jurisdictions and the drive for modernisation across the Courts and Tribunals, candidates were expected to be able to serve for at least 4 years.

Appointment of Lord Chief Justice: 15 June 2023 gov.uk

Conclusion

The Lord Chief Justice is a vital figure in the English legal system, and plays a crucial role in upholding the principles of justice and fairness. The Lord Chief Justice is responsible for overseeing the administration of justice in England and Wales, and for ensuring that the legal system operates efficiently and effectively.

The Lord Chief Justice is also responsible for promoting the legal profession, and for ensuring that lawyers and judges maintain high ethical standards. This is an important role, as the legal profession plays a key role in upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of individuals.

The Lord Chief Justice is an impartial figure, who must make decisions based solely on the evidence presented in court. This means that the Lord Chief Justice must be independent of political influence, and must be able to make difficult decisions in the face of complex legal issues.

One of the most important functions of the Lord Chief Justice is to oversee the development of the law. The Lord Chief Justice plays a key role in shaping the law, and in ensuring that the legal system remains relevant and effective in the face of new challenges and developments.

The Lord Chief Justice is also responsible for ensuring that the judiciary is properly trained and equipped to handle the complex legal issues that arise in the modern world. This means that the Lord Chief Justice must work closely with other members of the judiciary, as well as with government officials, to ensure that the legal system remains effective and efficient.

We recommend you should always seek formal legal advice if required, from a qualified and reputable lawyer (solicitor or barrister).

Our Family Solicitor and Family Barristers pages contains tips on how to find a competent lawyer.

We have a number of links to Free Legal Resources and Legal Organisations on our Free Legal Advice , Legal Aid and Pro Bono pages.

Read the reviews of Gavin Howe Barrister

“He is awful, underhanded and should not be practising law!”

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Judiciary

His Honour Now His Dishonour

hhj stuart farquhar

Andrew Easteal formely known as His Honour Andrew Easteal has been removed from office by the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) for misconduct after he ‘deliberately’ deleted data which was of police interest. 

The Lord Chancellor, with the Lord Chief Justice’s agreement, has removed His Honour Judge Andrew Easteal from office for misconduct.

Judicial office-holders are expected to strive to ensure that their conduct, both in and out of court, maintains and enhances the confidence of the public, the legal profession, and litigants, in their personal impartiality and that of the judiciary. They are also expected to put the obligations of judicial office above personal interests.

Following an investigation carried out under the Judicial Conduct (Judicial and other office holders) Rules 2014 by a senior judge appointed by the Lord Chief Justice, Judge Easteal was found to have deliberately deleted data in the knowledge that it was of interest to police officers carrying out a criminal investigation. The judge denied that his intention was to frustrate the criminal investigation.

Having considered the mitigation offered by Judge Easteal, the Lord Chief Justice and Lord Chancellor agreed with the investigating judge’s finding that this was misconduct of the utmost seriousness, for which the judge should be removed from office.

STATEMENT FROM THE JUDICIAL CONDUCT INVESTIGATIONS OFFICE

Despite being removed from Office, Andrew Easteal is still on the List of Circuit Judges on the Judiciary website. This is several hours after the announcement.

Clearly not all judges are as honourable as they seem !

Check out our articles on HHJ Farquhar, HHJ Bedford, Dodgy Judges, Can you Criticise a Judge ?, Do you Have to Bow to a Judge ? and the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board.

We recommend you should always seek formal legal advice if required, from a qualified and reputable lawyer (solicitor or barrister).

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Judiciary

Lord Chancellor

alex chalk kc mp lord chancellor

Alex Chalk KC MP was appointed Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice on 21 April 2023. 

As the Secretary of State for Justice, Alex Chalk KC MP, heads the Ministry of Justice.

He was Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence from October 2022 to April 2023 and was formerly HM Solicitor General for England and Wales and the Prisons and Probation Minister. Alex Chalk KC MP has been the Member of Parliament for Cheltenham since 2015.

Prior to being elected in 2015, Alex was a barrister and prosecuted and defended in cases concerning terrorism, international fraud, and homicide.

As Justice Minister, Alex led the Domestic Abuse Bill through the Commons. For the first time in history, the Bill includes a wide-ranging legal definition of domestic abuse which incorporates a range of abuses beyond physical violence, including emotional, coercive or controlling behaviour, and economic abuse.

During his time as Prisons Minister, Alex announced a new scheme to provide temporary, basic accommodation to prison leavers for twelve weeks as well as overhauling the unpaid work that offenders are ordered to do as part of community service.

As HM Solicitor General, Alex oversaw the work of the Law Officers’ Departments which includes the Crown Prosecution Service and Serious Fraud Office, as well as the Government Legal Department and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate.

Alex lives in Cheltenham with his wife and three young children.

Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice Bio gov.uk

You may also be interested in our article on the Lord Chief Justice and the Master of the Rolls.

What is the role of the Lord Chancellor ?

The Lord Chancellor is one of the most ancient offices of state, dating back many centuries.

The Lord Chancellor, formally the lord high chancellor of Great Britain, is the highest-ranking traditional minister among the Great Officers of State in Scotland and England in the United Kingdom, nominally outranking even the prime minister.

The Lord Chancellor is responsible for the administration of the courts, prison system, legal aid, and probation services in England and Wales

The Lord Chancellor is appointed by the Monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister and is a senior member of the Cabinet. They head the Ministry of Justice as the Secretary of State for Justice.

You may also be interested in our article about the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 which explains the transfer of some powers from the Lord Chancellor to the Lord Chief Justice.

Oath of the Lord Chancellor

The Lord Chancellor takes a sincere and solemn Oath from Part 2 Section 17 of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005

“I,     , do swear that in the office of Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain I will respect the rule of law, defend the independence of the judiciary and discharge my duty to ensure the provision of resources for the efficient and effective support of the courts for which I am responsible. So help me God.”

Oath of the Lord Chancellor Part 2 Section 17 Constitutional Reform Act 2005

What is the role of the Secretary of State for Justice ?

According to the gov.uk webpage for the Secretary of State for Justice, it lists the ministerial roles as follows :-

Responsibilities

  1. Oversight of all portfolios and Ministry of Justice strategy
  2. Oversight of departmental COVID-19 response supported by other ministers according to portfolio
  3. Oversight of international business and future relations with the EU
  4. MoJ support for the Union
  5. Resourcing of the department
  6. Functions of the Lord Chancellor
  7. Judicial policy including pay, pensions and diversity (these and other operational decisions affecting the judiciary are reserved to the Lord Chancellor)
  8. Corporate services

Previous Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice

  1. The Rt Hon Dominic Raab MP 2022 to 2023 (Lord Bully)
  2. The Rt Hon Brandon Lewis CBE MP 2022 to 2022
  3. The Rt Hon Dominic Raab MP 2021 to 2022
  4. The Rt Hon Robert Buckland KC MP 2019 to 2021
  5. The Rt Hon David Gauke 2018 to 2019
  6. The Rt Hon David Lidington CBE 2017 to 2018
  7. The Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss MP 2016 to 2017
  8. The Rt Hon Michael Gove MP 2015 to 2016
  9. The Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP 2012 to 2015
  10. The Rt Hon Kenneth Clarke KC 2010 to 2012

Photo Credit : Parliament Official Portrait of Alex Chalk KC MP under Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0) licence.

Check out our article on the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board and make up your own mind.

We recommend you should always seek formal legal advice if required, from a qualified and reputable lawyer (solicitor or barrister).

We have a number of links to Free Legal Resources and Legal Organisations on our Free Legal Advice , Legal Aid and Pro Bono pages.

Read the reviews of Gavin Howe Barrister

“He is awful, underhanded and should not be practising law!”

Latest Articles

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Judiciary

Master of the Rolls

master of the rolls sir geoffrey vos

The Keeper or Master of the Rolls and Records of the Chancery of England, also known as the Master of the Rolls, is the President of the Civil Division of the Court of Appeal of England and Wales.

The Master of the Rolls is a senior judge and is second in seniority in England and Wales only to the Lord Chief Justice who is currently The Right Honourable The Lord Burnett of Maldon. The Master of the Rolls is consulted on matters such as the civil justice system and rights of audience.

As President of the Court of Appeal’s Civil Division they are the Head of Civil Justice and are responsible for the deployment and organisation of the work of judges in the civil division. They also hear the most complex cases across the full range of civil, family and tribunal matters.

The current Master of the Rolls is Sir Geoffrey Vos.

Address (in Correspondence)….
The Right Honourable
The Master of the Rolls

Dear….Master of the Rolls

In court….My Lord

What do I call a judge? Courts and Tribunals Judiciary

You may also be interested in our article on the Lord Chief Justice and Lord Chancellor.

History of the Master of the Rolls

The Master of the Rolls has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the 13th century. Originally, the position was responsible for keeping the “rools” or records of the Court of Chancery, which was a court of equity that dealt with disputes not covered by common law. As the legal system evolved, the Master of the Rolls became a senior judge in their own right, with responsibilities that extended beyond the Chancery.

During the reign of King Henry VIII, the Master of the Rolls was appointed to the Privy Council, a group of advisers to the monarch. In the 19th century, the position of Master of the Rolls became one of the most prestigious legal positions in the country. In 1833, the Master of the Rolls was made a member of the House of Lords and was granted the right to sit and vote in that chamber.

The Rolls Court was to last 50 years as a court of first instance; it was abolished by the Judicature Act of 1881.  The Master of the Rolls ceased to be a judge of the High Court and became a judge of the Court of Appeal.

A list of previous Masters of the Rolls is maintained at Wikipedia.

Appointment

The Heads of Division are appointed by the King on the recommendation of a selection panel convened by the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC).

The selection panel comprises the Lord Chief Justice as Chair, a nominee of the Lord Chief Justice, the Chair of the JAC, a lay member of the JAC and a nominee of the JAC Chair agreed with the Lord Chief Justice.

The panel reports to the Lord Chancellor, who can then accept the selection, reject it, or require the panel to reconsider. If practical the panel must consult the current holder of the office for which a selection is being made.

By law, candidates for the post must be qualified for appointment as a Lord Justice of Appeal or to be a judge of the Court of Appeal.

In practice, Heads of Division are generally appointed from among the Lords of Appeal in Ordinary (the Law Lords) or Lord or Lady Justices of Appeal.

Master of the Rolls – Courts and Tribunals Judiciary

Current Master of the Rolls

Sir Geoffrey Vos was appointed as Master of the Rolls on 11th January 2021, succeeding Sir Terence Etherton. He brings a wealth of experience to the position, having had a distinguished legal career spanning several decades.

Sir Geoffrey Vos was born on 22nd August 1955 and was educated at Cambridge University, where he studied law. After graduating, he worked as a solicitor for several years before being called to the Bar in 1985. He was made a Queen’s Counsel in 1999.

Sir Geoffrey Vos has held a number of prominent legal positions, including serving as a judge in the Chancery Division and as the Deputy Head of Civil Justice. Before his appointment as Master of the Rolls, he served as Chancellor of the High Court from 2016 to 2021, overseeing the work of the Chancery Division of the High Court.

Sir Geoffrey Vos is highly respected in the legal community and is known for his expertise in commercial and chancery law. He has also been involved in a number of professional and charitable activities, serving as a trustee of several charities and on the Council of the British Institute of International and Comparative Law. He has also been a member of the Lord Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Private International Law.

The Salary of the Master of the Rolls from from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023 was £246,034

Image of Sir Geoffrey Vos from the Courts and Tribunal Judiciary website.

Conclusion

The Master of the Rolls is a highly esteemed position in the UK legal system, responsible for managing the administrative and procedural matters of the Court of Appeal of England and Wales, as well as serving as President of the Civil Division.

Sir Geoffrey Vos is the current holder of the position and brings a wealth of experience to the role, having had a distinguished legal career spanning several decades. His expertise in commercial and chancery law, combined with his leadership skills, make him well-suited to the position of Master of the Rolls and President of the Civil Division.

Check out our article on the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board and make up your own mind.

We recommend you should always seek formal legal advice if required, from a qualified and reputable lawyer (solicitor or barrister).

Our Family Solicitor and Family Barristers pages contains tips on how to find a competent lawyer.

We have a number of links to Free Legal Resources and Legal Organisations on our Free Legal Advice , Legal Aid and Pro Bono pages.

Read the reviews of Gavin Howe Barrister

“He is awful, underhanded and should not be practising law!”

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Judiciary

HHJ Stuart Farquhar

hhj stuart farquhar

HHJ Farquhar was appointed as a Deputy District Judge in 1999, as a District Judge in 2005 and as a Recorder in 2009.

Stuart Alastair Farquhar was appointed a circuit judge, assigned to the South Eastern Circuit, based at Brighton County Court, with effect from October 9, 2013. Judge Farquhar who was 51 at the time, was called to the Bar (I) in 1985. Judge Farquhar was born in June 1962.

Stuart Alastair Farquhar is called His Honour Judge Farquhar or abbreviated to HHJ Farquhar. In Court he is addressed as Your Honour.

HHJ Farquhar is the Lead Financial Remedies Court (FRC) Judge for Kent, Surrey and Sussex. From KFC to the top of the roost in Sussex !

“I have no family connection to lawyers; father was an engineer and mother looked after me and my two brothers. Attended state schools.

1980-1983 Manchester University

1983-1984 Worked at solicitors during the day and KFC at night & weekends to pay for Bar

School
1984-1985 Bar School

1985-2005 Barrister in Nottingham (after pupillage in London where I was not offered tenancy)
Started doing all types of work but after about five years began to specialise in Family work and then just in money cases on divorce

2005-2013 District Judge in Cambridgeshire – Family and Civil jurisdiction

2013-present Circuit Judge in Brighton – Family Court and Court of Protection

Interests:

Supporting AFC Wimbledon, walking the dog in the rain (other weather conditions are accepted), preferably near pubs with good real ale.

Married: my wife works as an advisor for a Carers Support Organisation.
Two children, neither following a legal career (having seen the impact upon me!)”

University of Brighton Law Careers Question Time 2018

Sussex Family Justice Board Membership

HHJ Stuart Farquhar was listed (up to 18th April 2023) as a board member of the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Website (SFJB), along with a number of Senior Sussex Judges.

HHJ Farquhar was previously listed as a SFJB member in a SFJB document SFJB-List-of-Members.docx dated September 2018. HHJ Farquhar appears to have been a SFJB board member for at least 5 years !

“The judge is not a member of the board as to be so would be incompatible with the independent position of the judiciary.”

Judiciary and the local justice system

A Google Search on the 3rd April 2023 returned the following which clearly shows HHJ Farquhar as a board member :-

Google Search 3rd April 2023

A Bing Search on the 3rd April 2023 returned the following which clearly shows HHJ Farquhar as a board member :-

Bing Search 3rd April 2023

The Sussex Family Justice Board website showed :-

Sussex Family Justice Board Members 3rd April 2023
Sussex Family Justice Board Judicial Board Members 3rd April 2023

The Sussex Family Justice Board website, according to their public RSS Feed, was updated on the 18th April 2023 at 20:37.

Sussex Family Justice Board (SFJB) RSS Feed XML <lastBuildDate>Tue, 18 Apr 2023 20:37:32 +0000</lastBuildDate>

HHJ Farquhar, HHJ Lusty and DJ Pollard have mysteriously been removed as board members. Is this a cynical attempt at a cover up ? Who removed them and why ?

Sussex Family Justice Board Judicial Board Members as of 22nd April 2023
Sussex Family Justice Board Judicial Board Members as of 22nd April 2023
SFJB-List-of-Members.docx dated September 2018
sfjb-board-members-september-2018Download
  • HHJ Farquhar has denied he is a member of the SFJB and that he was ever invited to join.
  • HHJ Farquhar claims he did not know that he was listed on the SFJB website as a board member.
  • HHJ Farquhar stated that he had covered for His Honour Judge Robin Bedford at several SFJB events. He also confirmed that HHJ Bedford, The Designated and Most Senior Family Judge in Sussex, was definitely a member of the board.
  • HHJ Farquhar said that the SFJB had no income and was surprised to learn that they had a treasurer listed as a board member. He accepted that the SFJB must therefore have income and expenditure which should be publicly accounted for.

This is fraud or at the very least highly misleading behaviour by the SFJB by listing a Senior Judge as a board member without their knowledge or approval.

I can only assume this was done to give the SFJB some sense of importance and credibility but only serves to make their activities even more suspicious.

Check out our article on HHJ Bedford and the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board and make up your own mind.

Financial Remedies Court Lead Judge

In the 4th July 2022 Revision of the FINANCIAL REMEDIES COURT (FRC) – OVERALL STRUCTURE OF THE FINANCIAL REMEDIES COURT AND THE ROLE AND FUNCTION OF THE LEAD JUDGE, HHJ Farquhar is listed as the Lead Financial Remedies Court (FRC) Judge for Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

Overall Structure Financial Remedies Court 4th July 2022Download

Farquhar Commitee

“HHJ Stuart Farquhar (Lead Judge of the Kent, Surrey & Sussex Financial Remedies Court (FRC)) was asked by The Honourable Mr Justice Mostyn earlier in 2021 to convene and lead a committee (consisting of a geographically diverse collection of judges at all levels of the judiciary and practitioners).

The committee was to consider in depth and report on the role of remote courts in the post-pandemic environment (Part 1) and the procedures of the Financial Remedies Court (Part 2).

The carefully considered and substantial final reports of the Farquhar Committee (Parts 1 and 2) are now being published so that they may inform decisions on moving matters forward in both these areas.

Report of the Farquhar Committee Part 1

The Financial Remedies Court – The Way Forward
A Paper to consider the future use of Remote Hearings in the FRC (PDF)

Report of the Farquhar Committee Part 2

The Financial Remedies Court – The Way Forward
A Paper to consider changes to the Practices and Procedures in the Financial Remedies Court (PDF)

Reports of the Farquhar Committee on the Financial Remedies Courts – Parts 1 and 2

Transparency Implementation Group Chair

On the the 11th February 2022 The President of the Family Division (PFD) announce that the Financial Remedy Court Transparency Group, will become the fifth sub group of the Transparency Implementation Group (TIG). This group will be chaired by HHJ Stuart Farquhar and will report to the main TIG.

Please refer to the Announcement for the Family Transparency Implementation Group (TIG)

On the 2nd June 2022 an article entitled Transparency in the FRC – The workings of the TIG Sub-Group written by HHJ Farquhar was published on the Transparency Project website.

Company Appointments

HHJ Stuart Farquhar was a Director of KESTEVEN AND GRANTHAM GIRLS’ SCHOOL ACADEMY TRUST (08133675), listing his occupation as District Judge, but resigned on the 9th October 2013 for unknown reasons.

HHJ Farquhar Contact Details

HHJ Stuart Farquhar judicial email address is hhj.stuart.farquhar@ejudiciary.net and he is based at the following Court :-

Brighton County Court Family Centre
1-2 Edward Street,
Brighton
BN2 0JD

Tel: 01273 674421
Email: sussexfamily@justice.gov.uk

HHJ Farquhar on the Internet

The Ministry of Injustice is delighted to be the No 1 Search result on Google for HHJ Farquhar (6th April 2023)

“Scandalising the judiciary (also referred to as scandalising the court or scandalising judges) is abolished as a form of contempt of court under the common law of England and Wales.”

Crime and Courts Act 2013 Section 33 – Can you criticise a judge ?

This article contains personal opinions protected by common law and Article 10 of the Human Rights Act 1998 along with publicly available information.

Image shown is an amateur artists impression by the author and for illustration only. It is not His Honour Judge Stuart Farquhar (HHJ Farquhar)

Read the reviews of Sussex Barrister Gavin Howe

“He is awful, underhanded and should not be practising law!”

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Judiciary

HHJ Robin Bedford

his honour judge bedford

HHJ Bedford was appointed as a Deputy District Judge on the North Eastern Circuit in May 2002, a District Judge in 2007 and a Circuit Judge on the 10th April 2013.

“HM the Queen has appointed Robin Steven Bedford, to be a District Judge on the advice of the Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer. The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers, has assigned him to the North Eastern Circuit, based in North and West Yorkshire with effect from Monday 19 February 2007. Mr Bedford, 43, was admitted as a solicitor in October 1988.”

Appointment of a district judge – Robin Steven Bedford

Robin Stephen Bedford is called His Honour Judge Bedford or abbreviated to HHJ Bedford. In Court he is addressed as Your Honour.

HHJ Bedford is the Designated Family Judge for Sussex and was appointed on the 1st July 2017.

Sussex Family Justice Board Membership

HHJ Robin Bedford is listed as board member of the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Website (SFJB), along with a number of Senior Sussex Judges.

“The judge is not a member of the board as to be so would be incompatible with the independent position of the judiciary.”

Judiciary and the local justice system

A google search returns the following which clearly shows HHJ Bedford as a board member :-

hhj bedord designated family judge for sussex sfjb

A Bing search returns the following which clearly shows HHJ Bedford as a board member :-

“His Honour Judge Bedford. Designated Family Judge for Sussex. 21 December 2020.

Dear all,. It’s some months since I inflicted one of my bulletins upon you.”

Sussex Family Justice Board 21st December 2020

HHJ Farquhar stated that he had covered for His Honour Judge Robin Bedford at several SFJB events. He also confirmed that HHJ Bedford, The Designated and Most Senior Family Judge in Sussex, was definitely a member of the Sussex Family Justice Board.

It’s refreshing to see an Honour “Stitched Up” by another Honour after an Honour attempted to “Stich” me up !

Is there no such a thing as “Honour” amongst thieves ?

Check out our article on HHJ Farquhar and the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board and make up your own mind.

HHJ Bedford Contact Details

HHJ Robin Bedford judicial email address is hhj.robin.bedford@ejudiciary.net and he is based at the following Court :-

Brighton County Court Family Centre
1-2 Edward Street,
Brighton
BN2 0JD

Tel: 01273 674421
Email: sussexfamily@justice.gov.uk

HHJ Bedford on the Internet

“Two years ago today this lowlife scumbag made an order knowing it would lead to a fathers death through ill health. Dishonour Judged Bedford will be exposed as the murderer he is. We will never forgive or forget. Still no apology to those involved either from this despicable oxygen thief.”

UK Corrupt Family Courts Name and Shame

“Another mother has come forward about this Monster who calls himself a judge, Bedford.

Again he was swinging on his chair gnawing on a pen while staring around a room in a world of his own.

He put costs before a child’s family being kept together. The family needed either a mother and baby unit to prove they can parent or a home. He ignored this and went with adoption.

How this twisted moron sleeps at night we have no clue. Probably doesn’t and why he’s daydreaming all day!

Wake up Bedford and start helping these families instead of breaking them you twisted individual.”

UK Corrupt Family Courts Name and Shame

His Honour Judge Robin Bedford led the walk this year as posted by Herrington Solicitors

“Meet ‘Dishonour’ Judge Robin Bedford. (Wonder if there’s something about the name Robin)
He can normally be found masquerading as a Judge at Hastings Court.
He is usually swinging on his chair while daydreaming staring at the ceiling and chewing a Bic Pen. All this while making sure he ignores vital evidence in a case.
This guy is not fit to be a judge and is someone who should never be allowed to preside over the lives of children. In short he is a danger.
The first time we came across this individual he was defending a violent father while the mother suffered the stress of being bullied and having him breach court orders. He ignored the fact that this father had no interest in his own son and the son making sexual allegations against the father. Instead he palmed the case off with a supervised contact order on the daughter and a care order with placement with the mother leaving The Local Authority to sort out the sorry mess of the case.
In the second case we come across him he signed an order of adoption on a second hearing due to a young mum having mental health problems. Knowing the mother didn’t understand the process was of no interest to him. This mother has since proved she can function and should be given a chance with her son.
The third case is the most terrible. Despite warnings and being shown evidence of why he shouldn’t he sent a 2 year old to go and live with her father who was mentally ill and physically disabled. He agreed he would take personal responsibility if anything went wrong. To date he has never apologised. The child was happily attached living with mother, well cared for meeting all her milestones and had minimal attachment to the father. In four months the child regressed in development and was abused as well as neglected. The father then died alone with the child in a flat which the mother warned would happen! The child now back in the mothers care is thriving and ahead of what’s expected of a child. There’s no local authority involvement and in their own words no role for them, they also agree this judge took a dangerous risk and it backfired to the detriment of the child.
This man should never preside over another child case. Any further screw ups by this twisted individual please inbox us!”

UK Corrupt Family Courts Name and Shame

“Scandalising the judiciary (also referred to as scandalising the court or scandalising judges) is abolished as a form of contempt of court under the common law of England and Wales.”

Crime and Courts Act 2013 Section 33 – Can you criticise a judge ?

Images of HHJ Bedford

The images shown on this page are from the Facebook Group UK Corrupt Family Courts Name and Shame . These images are believed to be of His Honour Judge Robin Bedford (HHJ Bedford).

Permission to use these images was sought from UK Corrupt Family Courts Name and Shame but no response was forthcoming.

I use these images under the Copyright exception of fair dealing, education and in the spirit of public interest.

This article contains personal opinions protected by common law and Article 10 of the Human Rights Act 1998 along with publicly available information.

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What is a Magistrate ?

what is a magistrate

In the United Kingdom, magistrates are volunteer judges who are appointed to serve in local courts. Magistrates are also known as justices of the peace (JP).

Magistrates hear a range of criminal and civil cases, and they are responsible for making decisions on whether a case should be heard by a higher court or not. In this article, we will explore the role of magistrates in the UK, their responsibilities, and how they are appointed.

History of Magistrates

The history of magistrates in the UK can be traced back to the 12th century when the first justices of the peace were appointed by King Henry II. These justices of the peace were responsible for keeping the peace and enforcing the law in their local communities.

Over time, the role of justices of the peace evolved, and they began to hear cases and make judgments in local courts. The modern magistrates’ court system can be traced back to the 19th century when the first modern magistrates’ court was established in Bow Street, London.

The creation of magistrates’ courts was part of a wider reform of the criminal justice system in the 19th century. Before this, the criminal justice system was based on a system of punishment and retribution, with little emphasis on rehabilitation or the rights of the accused.

The creation of magistrates’ courts marked a significant shift in the approach to criminal justice in the UK. The emphasis was now on rehabilitation and addressing the root causes of criminal behavior, rather than simply punishing offenders.

Magistrates were initially appointed by local justices of the peace, but in 1919, the responsibility for appointing magistrates was transferred to the Lord Chancellor.

Despite the changes in the role of magistrates over the years, their fundamental principles remain the same. They are volunteers who serve their local community and uphold the law in a fair and impartial manner.

The Role of Magistrates

Magistrates are responsible for hearing cases in the magistrates’ court, which is the lowest tier of the court system in the UK. They are also responsible for making decisions on whether a case should be sent to a higher court, such as the Crown Court. Magistrates’ courts deal with around 95% of all criminal cases in England and Wales.

Magistrates’ duties vary from deciding whether a defendant should be granted bail to deciding whether a defendant is guilty or not guilty of a criminal offence. They also have the power to impose sentences, such as fines, community service orders, and prison sentences of up to six months.

Magistrates also hear civil cases, such as disputes over unpaid debts, and family cases, such as child custody and adoption. In these cases, magistrates are responsible for making decisions on issues such as child custody arrangements, financial support, and visitation rights.

How to become a Magistrate ?

Before you can apply to become a magistrate, you must visit your local court or research how family courts work to prepare for your application.

You must visit a criminal court at least twice in the 12 months before you apply. You’ll be asked about this in your application.

Find your nearest court. The court will tell you when to visit and which courtrooms to see.

Research how family courts work (*)

You cannot visit a family court because these cases are heard in private. To prepare for your application, you must research what it’s like working as a family court magistrate.

Prepare for your application

When you apply you’ll be asked to give examples to show that you can:

  • understand and appreciate different perspectives
  • communicate with sensitivity and respect
  • work and engage with people professionally
  • make fair, impartial and transparent decisions
  • show self-awareness and be open to learning

You also need to provide 2 references. If you’re employed, one of them must be from your employer. They cannot be a relative or someone you live with.

How to apply online

Visit the magistrates website to find a role in your area and apply.

If your application is successful, you’ll be invited to an interview.

If there are no roles available near you

You can register your interest. You’ll get an email when a role in your area is available.

Become a magistrate gov.uk

(*) Unsurprisingly the gov.uk website is out of date and this statement is untrue.

Open justice is a fundamental principle in our courts and tribunals system, and will continue to be as we increase the use of audio and video technology.

Requests from the media and others to observe a hearing remotely In The County Court and The Family Court at Brighton should be made direct to: sussexfamily@justice.gov.uk or by calling 0300 1235577. Arrangements will then be made to enable you to attend.

Family Courts and Open Justice / Brighton County Court Courtserve

The Appointment of Magistrates

Magistrates are appointed by the Lord Chancellor, who is the UK government’s Minister of Justice. Magistrates are not required to have any legal qualifications, but they must be over 18 years old and under 70 years old. They must also have no criminal convictions.

Magistrates are selected by local advisory committees, which are made up of people from the local community. These committees are responsible for assessing candidates’ suitability for the role and making recommendations to the Lord Chancellor. The Lord Chancellor then appoints the successful candidates.

Magistrates are appointed for a period of five years and can be reappointed for another five years. Magistrates are volunteers and are not paid for their work. However, they are reimbursed for their expenses, such as travel costs and subsistence.

Training for Magistrates

Magistrates receive training before they take up their role, which includes classroom-based training and on-the-job training. The training covers areas such as court procedures, legal principles, and sentencing guidelines.

Magistrates also receive ongoing training throughout their term of office to ensure that they are up to date with changes in the law and court procedures.

Diversity among Magistrates

There has been criticism in the past that magistrates are not representative of the communities they serve, with concerns that they are predominantly white, middle-class, and elderly. In recent years, efforts have been made to address this issue, with initiatives to encourage a more diverse range of people to become magistrates.

The Judicial Diversity Committee was established in 2010 to promote diversity in the judiciary, including magistrates. The committee’s aim is to encourage more women, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities to apply for judicial positions.

In 2019, the Ministry of Justice launched a campaign to encourage more young people to become magistrates. The campaign highlighted the benefits of becoming a magistrate, such as gaining new skills, meeting new people, and contributing to the community.

Conclusion

Magistrates play a crucial role in the UK’s justice system, ensuring that justice is administered fairly and efficiently at the local level. They are appointed based on their suitability, and they receive training to ensure that they are able to carry out their duties effectively. Efforts are being made to encourage a more diverse range of people to become magistrates, to ensure that the magistrates are more representative of the communities they serve.

Magistrates provide a valuable service to their local community by hearing cases and making decisions that affect the lives of individuals. Their role is an important one and is essential in ensuring that the justice system is accessible to all.

For more information on the role of magistrates in the UK, the following websites may be useful:

  1. The Magistrates Association – https://www.magistrates-association.org.uk/ The Magistrates Association is a membership organization that represents magistrates in England and Wales. They provide support, training, and guidance to magistrates, and they also work to promote the role of magistrates in the justice system.
  2. Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service – https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-courts-and-tribunals-service Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service is responsible for the administration of the courts and tribunals in England and Wales. Their website provides information on the different types of courts and tribunals, including magistrates’ courts.
  3. Judicial Appointments Commission – https://judicialappointments.gov.uk/ The Judicial Appointments Commission is responsible for selecting and appointing judges in England and Wales, including magistrates. Their website provides information on the appointment process, as well as guidance for potential candidates.

We recommend you should always seek formal legal advice if required, from a qualified and reputable lawyer (solicitor or barrister).

We have a number of links to Free Legal Resources and Legal Organisations on our Free Legal Advice , Legal Aid and Pro Bono pages.

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President of the Family Division

president of the family division sir andrew mcfarlane

The President of the Family Division is a highly esteemed position in the United Kingdom’s judicial system. It is a role responsible for overseeing and presiding over family-related cases in England and Wales. In this article, we will delve into the history of the position and provide details on the current holder.

History

The President of the Family Division is a judicial office in England and Wales, established in 1873 by the Judicature Act, which reformed the court system in England and Wales.

The Act created a single Supreme Court of Judicature consisting of the High Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal. This replaced the previously separate court systems of common law and equity, and it also established several new judicial positions, including the President of the Probate, Divorce and Admiralty Division.

The Family Division was created in 1971 when Admiralty and contentious probate cases were removed from its predecessor, the Probate, Divorce and Admiralty Division.

Current President of the Family Division

The current holder of the position of President of the Family Division is Sir Andrew McFarlane. He is know as The Right Honourable Sir Andrew McFarlane.

Sir Andrew was appointed to the position in July 2018 and succeeded Sir James Munby.

Prior to his appointment, McFarlane served as a Lord Justice of Appeal and as a judge of the High Court’s Family Division. Sir Andrew McFarlane is known for his extensive knowledge and experience in family law.

Sir Andrew McFarlane was called to the bar in 1977 and practiced as a barrister for 25 years before being appointed as a High Court judge in 2005.

As well as being the President, Sir Andrew is also a member of the Court of Appeal. The Family Division of the High Court consists of 19 High Court Judges. It deals with:

  • Divorce, including disputes over children, property or money;
  • Adoption, wardship and other matters involving children; and
  • Judgments on behalf of those who are unable to make decisions for themselves, such as persistent vegetative state victims.

The Family Division also deals with undisputed matters of probate – the legal recognition of the validity of a will – in the Probate Registry of the Family Division in London, and the 11 probate registries in England and Wales.

Throughout his career, Sir Andrew has presided over many high-profile cases, including cases related to surrogacy, adoption, and child custody. He has also been involved in many ground-breaking decisions related to family law.

During his time as President of the Family Division, Sir Andrew McFarlane has been focused on improving the family court system in England and Wales. He has implemented a number of reforms aimed at making the system more efficient and user-friendly. One of his key initiatives has been to improve the use of technology in the family court system, with the aim of reducing delays and making the process more streamlined.

Sir Andrew McFarlane has also been an advocate for greater transparency in family court proceedings. He has spoken out about the need for more openness in the system, particularly in cases involving the care and protection of children.

Conclusion

The President of the Family Division is an important position in the United Kingdom’s judicial system.

The current holder of the position, Sir Andrew McFarlane, is a highly respected and experienced family law judge who has been focused on improving the family court system. With his initiatives aimed at improving the use of technology and increasing transparency, he has made significant contributions to the field of family law in the UK.

Check out our articles on Judiciary, President of the King’s Bench Division, HHJ Farquhar, HHJ Bedford and the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board.

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Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO)

judicial conduct investigation office jcio

The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) are an independent office which supports the Lord Chancellor and Lady Chief Justice in considering complaints about the personal conduct of judicial office holders.

It was established in 2006, following the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, which reformed the way in which judges are appointed, disciplined and removed from office.

Make sure to read our article about the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board (SFJB) and its board members such as His Honour Judge Farquhar.

This issue was raised on the 21st March 2023 and 3rd March 2023 with the President of the Family Division (PFD) Sir Andrew McFarlane (Head of Family Justice). A response has not yet been forthcoming.

A failure of the PFD to investigate or take any action, will unfortunately result in a complaint about the PFD’s professional conduct to the JCIO.

Rules and Regulations

The 2014 Judicial Discipline Regulations and supporting rules came into effect from 18 August 2014

How to Complain

The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office can only deal with complaints about the personal conduct of judicial office holders. This means that they cannot accept complaints about a judge’s decision or the way a judge has managed a case.

The JCIO Making A Complaint website contains all the details along with the link to the JCIO portal.

Office for Judicial Complaints (OJC) – 2004

Before the establishment of the JCIO, the responsibility for investigating complaints against judges rested with the Office for Judicial Complaints (OJC), which was established in 2004. The OJC was a part of the Ministry of Justice and had the power to investigate complaints made against judges in England and Wales.

However, the OJC was widely criticized for being insufficiently independent and for lacking transparency. In response to these criticisms, the government established the JCIO in 2006 as an independent body to investigate complaints against judges.

Judicial Complaints Investigation Bureau (JCIB) -1991

Before the Office for Judicial Complaints (OJC) was established in 2004, the responsibility for investigating complaints against judges in England and Wales rested with the Judicial Complaints Investigation Bureau (JCIB), which was created in 1991.

The JCIB was a division of the Lord Chancellor’s Department (which later became the Ministry of Justice), and it was responsible for investigating complaints about the personal conduct of judges. However, the JCIB was criticized for being insufficiently independent and for lacking transparency, particularly following a high-profile case in 1993 involving a judge who was found to have used racist language.

JCIO Powers

The JCIO is responsible for investigating complaints about the personal conduct of judges, as well as their professional conduct. It has the power to investigate complaints made by members of the public, legal professionals, and other judges.

The JCIO’s investigations are carried out by a team of investigators who are independent of the judiciary.

Overall, the establishment of the JCIO was seen as an important step in ensuring the independence and integrity of the judiciary in England and Wales.

Disciplinary Statements

You can check if a a judge has had any disciplinary action against them as Disciplinary statements are published on the JCIO website and are sorted by year.

The JCIO publication policy states that a statement will normally be published when a disciplinary sanction has been issued to a judicial office-holder for misconduct.

The Lady Chief Justice and Lord Chancellor may decide jointly to:

  • issue a statement in any case;
  • decline to issue a statement in any case;
  • delete a statement prior to the expiration of the relevant publication period.

Publication Periods

Statements published before 22 August 2022

Statements about cases which resulted in a sanction below removal from office will be deleted after one year. Statements about cases which resulted in removal from office will be deleted after five years.

Statements published from 22 August 2022

The following publication periods apply to statements published from 22 August 2022. Following the outcome of the 2020-22 review of the disciplinary system, statements now contain more detail. The JCIO privacy notice has been updated to reflect this change.

Sanction ImposedPublication Period
Formal AdviceTwo Years
Formal WarningFour Years
ReprimandSix Years
Removal from Office (except for failure to meet minimum sitting requirements)Indefinite
Removal from Office for failure to meet minimum sitting requirementsFive years

Requesting a Copy of a Deleted Statement

A copy of any statement which has been deleted following expiration of its publication period can be requested by emailing: general.enquiries@judicialconduct.gov.uk

Requesters must state the name of the office-holder. It will also help to locate statements if requesters give as much information as possible about the nature of the conduct for which the office-holder received a disciplinary sanction, and the year in which they believe the statement was published.

JCIO aims to reply to all requests for deleted statements within 10 working days.

JCIO Publication Policy

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Attorney General

attorney general office

The Attorney General is a senior legal officer in the United Kingdom who is responsible for representing the Crown and the government in legal matters.

Role of the Attorney General

The Attorney General is appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister, and is usually a member of the government.

The role of the Attorney General is multifaceted and includes the following main responsibilities:

  • Overall responsibility for the work of the Attorney General’s Office and superintended Departments (the Government Legal Department, the Crown Prosecution Service, the Serious Fraud Office and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate)
  • Specific statutory duty to superintend the discharge of duties by the Director of Public Prosecutions (who heads the Crown Prosecution Service) and the Director of the Serious Fraud Office
  • Non-statutory general oversight of the Services Prosecuting Authority and government prosecuting departments
  • Government’s principal legal adviser dealing with (amongst others) questions of international law, human rights, devolution and COVID-19 issues
  • Public interest functions, for example, reference of unduly lenient sentences to the Court of Appeal, bringing proceedings for contempt of court and intervention in certain proceedings to protect charities
  • Questions of law arising on Bills and with issues of legal policy
  • Legal aspects of all major international and domestic litigation involving the Government, (including matters related to future relations with the EU)

The Attorney General also holds the separate office of Advocate General for Northern Ireland. The Advocate General for Scotland has specific responsibility for Scottish law matters.

Ministerial Role – Attorney General

The current Attorney General of the United Kingdom is The Rt Hon Victoria Prentis KC MP.

Victoria Prentis was appointed Attorney General on 25 October 2022.

She was previously Minister of State at the Department for Work and Pensions from 7 September 2022 to 25 October 2022.

Victoria was previously Minister of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 16 September 2021 to 7 September 2022.

Before that, she was Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs from 14 February 2020 to 15 September 2021.

She was elected as the Conservative MP for Banbury in May 2015.

Ministerial Role – Attorney General

Attorney General Office

The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) provides legal advice and support to the Attorney General and the Solicitor General (the Law Officers) who give legal advice to government. The AGO helps the Law Officers perform other duties in the public interest, such as looking at sentences which may be too low.

AGO is a ministerial department, supported by 4 agencies and public bodies.

History of the Attorney General

The role of the Attorney General in the United Kingdom can be traced back to the medieval period, when the King’s legal advisor was known as the “King’s Serjeant”. Over time, this role evolved into that of the Attorney General, who was responsible for representing the Crown in legal matters and advising the government on legal issues.

The first recorded holder of the title of Attorney General was William de Boneville, who was appointed by King Edward I in 1278. However, it was not until the 16th century that the role of the Attorney General became more clearly defined and institutionalized.

During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I in the late 16th century, the Attorney General became an important figure in the administration of justice and the government. The Attorney General was responsible for prosecuting criminal cases, advising the monarch and the government on legal matters, and representing the Crown in court.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the role of the Attorney General continued to evolve, with a growing focus on providing legal advice to the government and upholding the rule of law. Today, the Attorney General remains an important legal officer in the United Kingdom, with a wide range of responsibilities and duties related to representing the Crown and the government in legal matters.

Attorney General Salary

The Attorney General is entitled to a salary of £100,819 but claims £94,450 according to Salaries of members of His Majesty’s Government: April 2022 (HTML)

This is addition to the basic annual salary for an MP from 1 April 2022 which is £84,144 according to Pay and expenses for MPs.

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