Category: Legal Professionals

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Law Legal Professionals

HMCTS

Ministry of Injustice - Law and Justice

His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) is an executive agency of the UK government, operating under the Ministry of Justice.

The Lord Chancellor, The Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood MP, heads the Ministry of Justice as the Secretary of State for Justice.

HMCTS Complaints Procedure

You might want to make a complaint to HMCTS. The HMCTS complaint process looks at how your case was handled by their staff.

HMCTS are not able to change the decision in your case or investigate how a judge or magistrate acted towards you.

HMCTS uses the Opinions, Praise, Treatment, Incident and Complaints system (OPTIC) which is the HMCTS feedback database/system used to record all customer feedback.

To complain about the HMCTS:

  • complete the online complaints form
  • speak to a member of staff in their buildings who will record your feedback
  • contact the courts or tribunals by email, phone or in writing

If you remain unsatisfied at the end of the complaints process, you can also ask your member of Parliament to refer your case to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.

HMCTS ignore complaints

I raised an online complaint with HMCTS about the shambolic Brighton Family Court and Sussex Family Team on the 16th January 2023 some 55 working days ago (correct as 31st March 2023).

Confirmation email of complaint from HMCTS OPTIC 19th January 2023

I have previously attempted to raise a complaint with Sussex Family Court (in person, by phone, by email) but no one wants to communicate or accept any responsibility.

Sussex Family Court and its staff fail to communicate, list hearings, process applications, deal with complaints and struggle with basic administration. A senior judge told me they are short staffed and are “doing their best”.

This court and its staff are clearly “interfering with the smooth administration of justice” and are not fit for purpose.

HMCTS are in effect in contempt of court by their actions/inactions.

HMCTS claim to respond within 10 working days.

There has been absolutely no response despite having chased them 3 times with emails to [email protected]. Either my complaint is lost, I am being deliberately being ignored or they are still busy coming up with excuses ?

There are no published phone numbers for HMCTS and the only email addresses listed are [email protected] or [email protected].

There is no way I can see of contacting HMCTS.

On the 22nd March 2023 in utter desperation I sent the following to the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) Data protection Officer (DPO).

Dear MoJ DPO

https://complain-about-a-court-or-tribunal.form.service.justice.gov.uk/privacy

Do you have any contact details for the Complaints or “HMCTS optic” team ? I cannot find an email address or telephone number for the complaints team.

I am concerned that they are either deliberately ignoring me or my personal data has fallen into a “worm hole”.

I would therefore also like to make a SAR. I assume this can be done by email to you instead of by post to Disclosure Team which seems an antiquated approach.

Your help would be much appreciated.

Email to MoJ DPO [email protected] / [email protected]

HMCTS OPTIC Privacy Policy

The HMCTS OPTIC Privacy Policy clearly states that the data protection officer can be contacted at [email protected]

HMCTS OPTIC Privacy Policy 22nd March 2023

This is incorrect as emails to that address are undelivered. That email address does not exist.

Undelivered email to [email protected]

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) entry for Z5679958 lists the DPO as [email protected].

Ministry of Justice ICO Registration reference:  Z5679958 24th March 2023

Is this an innocent mistake or further evidence of institutional incompetence ?

To be really “petty”, Petty should have a capital P as well. Hopefully they will update their website.

The MoJ’s DPO has a duty under GDPR to publish accurate information.

The requirement to send a Subject Access Request (SAR) to a postal address is also dubious and unnecessary as an email should suffice.

HMCTS OPTIC Privacy Policy SAR by Post 22nd March 2023

Update 24th March 2023 : The MoJ Data Access Team [email protected] have responded acknowledging the SAR. It seems, as suspected, you can apply by email and save a stamp.

However, they haven’t updated their email template and still refer to Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service and Her Majesty’s Court and Tribunal Service.

What an insult to his majesty the King. I have asked them to update this.

Dear Mr Watts

SUBJECT: Subject Access Request

Thank you for your email below in which you asked for information from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).

Your request has been handled in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act (DPA) 2018 as a Subject Access Request (SAR) for your personal information.

In order for us to process your request we require acceptable proof of your identity.

  • Verifying Identity

Copies of two types of proof of identity. These can be a copy of a recent utility bill (dated within the last three months) and a copy of the photograph page of your passport or driving licence.

  • Search Location/Clarification

The MoJ is a large department with many functions and it will greatly assist us in providing you with the exact information you require if you are able to:

  1. Specify the information or processing activities your request relates to
  2. Provide more details that will help us locate the requested information; such as the context in which your information may have been processed and the likely dates when processing occurred

For your information, in the context of SARs, the MoJ consists of:-

  • Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service
  • Her Majesty’s Court and Tribunal Service
  • The Office of the Public Guardian,
  • The Legal Aid Agency, and
  • A large MoJ “HQ”

On receipt of acceptable proof of I.D. we will continue to process your request.

Yours sincerely

Disclosure Team

Disclosure & Library Team,
Information Services Division
Security and Information Group

MoJ Disclosure Team 24th March 2023

I still await a response from the MoJ to resolve my complaint along with a detailed explanation for the inexcusable HMCTS tardiness.

In the meantime check out our article on the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board.

Who are HMCTS ?

His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) is an executive agency of the UK government, operating under the Ministry of Justice. It is responsible for administering the court system in England and Wales, providing support to the courts, tribunals, and other judicial bodies to ensure their effective and efficient operation.

The history of HMCTS reflects a drive to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the justice system, through the merger of the Court Service and the Tribunals Service in 2011. This created a more streamlined and efficient system that is better equipped to meet the needs of the public, under the oversight of the Ministry of Justice.

The annual budget of HMCTS is significant, reflecting the importance of the services it provides to the public. In 2021/22, the agency’s budget was £1.8 billion, which was a decrease from the previous year’s budget of £1.9 billion. The reduction in funding was due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the agency to scale back some of its activities.

HMCTS is one of the largest employers in the UK justice system, with a workforce of around 28,000 staff. The agency employs a diverse range of people, including court staff, judges, legal advisers, and administrative staff, overseen by the Ministry of Justice.

The Ministry of Injustice is not the Ministry of Justice nor is it affiliated in any way with the justice system, legal profession, police or any other law enforcement agencies.

“Publicity is the very soul of justice. . . . It keeps the judge himself, while trying, under trial….Where there is no publicity there is no justice”

Jeremy Bentham – Mr Justice Cobb: ‘Justice must be seen to be done’

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You should always seek formal legal advice from a qualified and reputable lawyer (solicitor or barrister).

There are a number of links to Free and Paid For Legal Resources and Legal Organisations on the Free Legal Advice , Legal Aid and Pro Bono pages.

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Family Law Legal Professionals

Family Barristers

Ministry of Injustice - Law and Justice

Family law is the branch of law that deals with family-related issues, such as divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family Barristers who specialise in family law are often called upon to provide sensitive and compassionate advice and representation to clients who are going through difficult personal situations.

In family law cases, family barristers are typically instructed by solicitors on behalf of their clients. The solicitor will handle the administration of the case and prepare the necessary legal documents, while the barrister will provide expert advice and representation in court proceedings.

Family Barristers must have a deep understanding of the complex emotional and legal issues that arise in family disputes. They must also have excellent advocacy skills, as they will be required to present complex legal arguments to judges and juries in court while being sensitive to the emotional needs of their clients.

You can find a family barrister using The Bar Council Find a Barrister website which will help you to find a barrister to represent you, either through a solicitor or through the direct access scheme.

Barristers are legal professionals who specialise in advocacy and litigation. They play a vital role in the legal system, representing clients in court and providing legal advice. Barristers can be classified into two types: direct access barristers and traditional barristers.

Most barristers are self-employed, individual practitioners who may work as a solo practitioner or, more commonly, in groups of offices known as barristers chambers.

In England, “called to the bar” is a term used to describe the formal admission of a person to practice as a barrister in the courts of England and Wales. It is a ceremony where a person who has completed the necessary education and training, which typically includes obtaining a qualifying law degree, completing the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), and undertaking a period of pupillage, is officially recognized as a barrister and granted the right to practice in the courts.

The ceremony involves the person being called to the bar by the Inn of Court to which they belong, which is one of the four professional associations for barristers in England and Wales. During the ceremony, the person will typically make a declaration of allegiance and professionalism, and they will then sign the roll of barristers. After being called to the bar, the person can then appear in court and provide legal representation to clients.

The Inns of Court in London are the professional associations for barristers in England and Wales. There are four Inns of Court – Gray’s Inn, Lincoln’s Inn, Inner Temple and Middle Temple.

A limited number of senior barristers receive ‘silk’ – becoming King’s Counsel (KC) – as a mark of outstanding ability. They are normally instructed in very serious or complex cases. Most senior judges once practised as KCs

The Bar Council which is the independent, practising Bar of England and Wales is more than 16,500 strong and plays a crucial role in upholding the principles of government accountability under law and vindication of legal rights through the courts.

The Bar Standards Board (BSB) regulates barristers and specialised legal services businesses in England and Wales in the public interest.

The BSB Handbook 5.0 contains the rules about how barristers must behave and work. It also contains the Code of Conduct for barristers.

Reporting a Concern about a Barrister such as Gavin Howe of the Sussex Barristers Chambers known as 1 Crown Office Row (1COR) is straightforward at the Bar Standards Board website using the Online Reporting Form.

You can also report your concern about a barrister by using the Word version of the form and then sending it by email to [email protected] or by post to: The Bar Standards Board, 289-293 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7HZ.

Many family law barristers are members of the Family Law Bar Association (FLBA) which is the specialist Bar Association for family barristers and has over 1700 members.

The Criminal Bar Association (CBA) exists to represent the views and interests of approximately 2,400 specialist criminal barristers in England & Wales.

The London Common Law & Commercial Bar Association (LCLCBA) has approximately 1500 members and is open to any member of the Bar of England & Wales whose practice is predominantly civil law within the High Court, including the Commercial Court, the County Court and/or tribunals in and around London.

The Chancery Bar Association (ChBA) has over 1300 members who practise Chancery law.

The Fraud Lawyers Association (FLA) was established in 2012. Its members are drawn from leading firms and chambers.

The FLA aims to provide a forum to represent experienced lawyers (solicitors, barristers, and legal executives) practising in the areas of civil and criminal fraud. 

Barristers

Traditional barristers are barristers who work through solicitors. They are instructed by solicitors on behalf of clients and provide legal advice, prepare legal documents and represent clients in court proceedings. Traditional barristers are experts in their field and are often called upon to provide specialist advice and representation in complex and high-profile cases.

To become a traditional barrister, individuals must complete the necessary education and training. This includes obtaining a qualifying law degree or a degree in another subject followed by a one-year conversion course. After completing their degree, they must undertake the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) and complete a one-year pupillage with a senior barrister. After completing pupillage, they can apply for tenancy and become a self-employed barrister.

Traditional barristers have a close working relationship with solicitors, who instruct them on behalf of clients. Solicitors handle the administration of cases and the preparation of legal documents, while barristers provide advice and representation in court proceedings. This division of labour allows barristers to specialise in advocacy and litigation, while solicitors specialise in legal research and document preparation.

Direct Access Barristers

Direct access barristers are barristers who can be instructed directly by members of the public without the need for a solicitor. This means that clients can contact a direct access barrister directly and receive legal advice and representation without going through a solicitor. Direct access barristers have undergone the same training and qualification process as traditional barristers, but they have also completed additional training to enable them to work directly with clients.

Direct access barristers are useful for clients who have a good understanding of their legal case and who can manage some aspects of their case themselves. Clients can choose to instruct a direct access barrister for a particular aspect of their case or for the entire case, depending on their needs and budget. However, direct access barristers are not suitable for all cases, particularly those that are complex or involve a significant amount of legal work.

The use of direct access barristers has become increasingly popular in recent years, as it offers clients greater flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Clients can choose to instruct a direct access barrister for a particular aspect of their case or for the entire case, depending on their needs and budget. This can result in significant cost savings for clients, as they do not need to pay for the services of a solicitor in addition to a barrister.

However, there are some limitations to the use of direct access barristers. Direct access barristers are not suitable for all cases, particularly those that are complex or involve a significant amount of legal work. Clients who are not familiar with the legal system may also find it difficult to navigate the process of instructing a direct access barrister and may benefit from the assistance of a solicitor.

Barristers Summary

In summary, both traditional and direct access barristers play important roles in the legal system in the UK. Traditional barristers work closely with solicitors to provide clients with high-quality legal advice and representation, while direct access barristers offer clients greater flexibility and cost-effectiveness by allowing them to instruct a barrister directly without the need for a solicitor.

Types of Law covered by Barristers

Civil Law

Civil law is the branch of law that deals with disputes between individuals or organisations, such as contract disputes, property disputes, and personal injury claims. Barristers who specialise in civil law are often called upon to provide expert advice and representation in complex and high-value cases.

In civil law cases, barristers are typically instructed by solicitors on behalf of their clients. The solicitor will handle the administration of the case and prepare the necessary legal documents, while the barrister will provide expert advice and representation in court proceedings.

Barristers who specialise in civil law must have a deep understanding of the legal principles and rules that govern civil disputes. They must also have excellent advocacy skills, as they will be required to present complex legal arguments to judges and juries in court.

Criminal Law

Criminal law is the branch of law that deals with offences against the state or society, such as theft, assault, and murder. Barristers who specialise in criminal law are often called upon to provide expert advice and representation in complex and high-profile criminal cases.

In criminal law cases, barristers are typically instructed by solicitors on behalf of their clients. The solicitor will handle the administration of the case and prepare the necessary legal documents, while the barrister will provide expert advice and representation in court proceedings.

Barristers who specialise in criminal law must have a deep understanding of the legal principles and rules that govern criminal offences. They must also have excellent advocacy skills, as they will be required to present complex legal arguments to judges and juries in court.

Check out our articles on Barristers, Direct Access Barristers, Four Inns of Court, Bar Standards Board, Bar Standards Board Justice ?, Solicitors, Rule of Law and the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board.

The Ministry of Injustice is not the Ministry of Justice nor is it affiliated in any way with the justice system, legal profession, police or any other law enforcement agencies.

“Publicity is the very soul of justice. . . . It keeps the judge himself, while trying, under trial….Where there is no publicity there is no justice”

Jeremy Bentham – Mr Justice Cobb: ‘Justice must be seen to be done’

Latest Articles ↓

Most Popular ↓

You should always seek formal legal advice from a qualified and reputable lawyer (solicitor or barrister).

There are a number of links to Free and Paid For Legal Resources and Legal Organisations on the Free Legal Advice , Legal Aid and Pro Bono pages.

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Family Law Law Legal Professionals

Family Solicitors

Ministry of Injustice - Law and Justice

Family solicitors in England and Wales are legal professionals who specialise in providing legal advice and representation in matters relating to family law.

These family solicitors are experts in dealing with complex family law issues and provide support to individuals and families who are going through a difficult time in their lives.

Family law solicitors can assist with a range of family law issues, including divorce, separation, child custody, adoption, and domestic violence. They provide legal advice and guidance on the legal process involved in these matters and represent clients in court hearings and negotiations.

One of the primary roles of family law solicitors is to help individuals and families navigate the legal system during a difficult time in their lives. This can include helping clients understand their legal rights and obligations, explaining the legal process and options available, and providing emotional support throughout the legal process.

In cases of divorce and separation, family solicitors can help clients understand their options for resolving disputes and reaching a fair settlement. This can involve negotiating a settlement with the other party, or representing clients in court hearings if necessary. Solicitors can also assist with issues related to child custody and access, such as helping clients understand their rights as parents and advocating for their interests in court.

In cases of adoption, family law solicitors can assist with the legal process of adopting a child. This can include providing legal advice on the adoption process, preparing adoption paperwork, and representing clients in court hearings.

Domestic violence is another area where family solicitors can provide legal support. They can assist victims of domestic violence in obtaining restraining orders and providing legal advice on how to protect themselves and their children. They can also represent clients in court hearings related to domestic violence.

Family law solicitors can also provide legal support to same-sex couples and families. They can assist with issues related to civil partnerships, same-sex marriage, and adoption by same-sex couples.

In England and Wales, family solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), which ensures that they meet certain professional standards and ethical guidelines. The SRA also provides a complaints procedure for clients who are dissatisfied with the services provided by their solicitor.

If you are considering hiring a family law solicitor in England or Wales, it is important to choose a solicitor who has experience in dealing with your specific issue. You may also want to consider factors such as the solicitor’s reputation, availability, and fees.

Choosing the right family law solicitor is crucial to ensuring that you receive the best possible legal representation and outcome for your case.

Here are some tips on how to avoid a bad family solicitor:

  1. Do your research: Take the time to research family law solicitors in your area before making a decision. Look for solicitors who specialize in the area of family law that your case relates to, and read reviews and testimonials from previous clients.
  2. Check qualifications: Check that the solicitor you are considering is qualified and licensed to practice law in England and Wales. You can check the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) website to confirm their credentials.
  3. Ask for referrals: Ask friends, family, and colleagues if they have any recommendations for family law solicitors they have used and had a positive experience with.
  4. Meet with the solicitor: Arrange a consultation with the solicitor to discuss your case and gauge whether you feel comfortable working with them. Ask them about their experience, approach to your case, and their fees.
  5. Look for red flags: Be wary of solicitors who promise guaranteed outcomes or unrealistic results, or who pressure you into making decisions quickly. Also, be cautious of solicitors who don’t listen to your concerns or who don’t communicate clearly and effectively.
  6. Consider their availability: Check whether the solicitor you are considering is available to take on your case and whether they have the resources to provide the level of support you require.
  7. Check their fees: Ensure that you understand the solicitor’s fees and how they will be charged. Be wary of solicitors who offer extremely low fees, as this may indicate that they are inexperienced or may not provide high-quality representation.

By following these tips, you can help avoid a bad family law solicitor and ensure that you choose a solicitor who will provide you with the support and guidance you need during a difficult time.

Remember that it’s essential to choose a solicitor who you feel comfortable working with and who you trust to represent your best interests.

In conclusion, family law solicitors in England and Wales provide vital legal support to individuals and families who are going through a difficult time. They can assist with a range of family issues, including divorce, separation, child custody, adoption, and domestic violence.

By providing legal advice and representation, family solicitors can help clients navigate the legal system and reach a fair and equitable outcome.

You can find a family solicitor using The Law Society Find A Solicitor free service.

The Ministry of Injustice is not the Ministry of Justice nor is it affiliated in any way with the justice system, legal profession, police or any other law enforcement agencies.

“Publicity is the very soul of justice. . . . It keeps the judge himself, while trying, under trial….Where there is no publicity there is no justice”

Jeremy Bentham – Mr Justice Cobb: ‘Justice must be seen to be done’

Latest Articles ↓

Most Popular ↓

You should always seek formal legal advice from a qualified and reputable lawyer (solicitor or barrister).

There are a number of links to Free and Paid For Legal Resources and Legal Organisations on the Free Legal Advice , Legal Aid and Pro Bono pages.

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Judiciary Legal Professionals

What is the Judiciary ?

courts and tribunals judiciary

The Judiciary in England and Wales is made up of judges, magistrates, tribunal members, and coroners. Together, they uphold the rule of law.

The three key values which are central to the role of judicial office holders (JOHs) in England and Wales are:

Independence / Impartiality / Integrity

The core principles

JOHs are required to adhere to these core principles both inside and outside the courtroom. These form part of the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct, which were endorsed at the 59th session of the United Nations Human Rights Commission at Geneva in April 2003. The principles state:

  1. Judicial independence is a prerequisite to the rule of law and a fundamental guarantee of a fair trial. A judge shall therefore uphold and exemplify judicial independence in both its individual and institutional aspects.
  2. Impartiality is essential to the proper discharge of the judicial office. It applies not only to the decision itself but also to the process by which the decision is made.
  3. Integrity is essential to the proper discharge of the judicial office.
  4. Propriety, and the appearance of propriety, are essential to the performance of all of the activities of the judge.
  5. Ensuring equality of treatment to all before the courts is essential to the due performance of the judicial office.
  6. Competence and diligence are prerequisites to the due performance of judicial office.

Independence

The judiciary should be fair and transparent, free of any influence outside the rule of law.

In a democracy, it is of vital importance that the public and those who appear before judges trust that their cases will be decided in accordance with the law. This can only be achieved if judges and the judiciary as a whole are independent of external pressures and of each other. For judges to discharge their constitutional responsibility of providing fair and impartial justice, it is solely relevant facts and law that should form the basis of their decisions.

When carrying out their judicial function judges must be free of any improper influence, such as pressure by individual litigants, commercial interests, the media, politicians, and their own self-interest. They must not allow potential public or media responses to skew their decision-making. This does not, however, mean displaying no awareness of the profound consequences that judicial decisions inflict on the lives of people before them, and often upon issues of great interest to society at large.

In the last century, the responsibilities of judges in disputes between the citizen and the state have increased together with the growth in governmental functions. The responsibility of the judiciary to protect citizens against unlawful acts of government has increased, and with it the need for the judiciary to be independent of government.

A practical example of the importance of judicial independence is where a high-profile matter, generating a great deal of media interest, comes before the court. This may be the criminal trial of a person accused of a shocking murder, the divorce of celebrities or challenges to the legality of government policy, such as the availability of a new and expensive drug to NHS patients. In the 24-hour media age in which we live, it stands to reason that the judge hearing the case will often be under intense scrutiny, with decisions open to intense debate. It is right that this is so, but it is equally important that decisions in court are made in accordance with the law and are not determined by external pressures.

Impartiality

The judiciary should treat all members of the public equally and fairly, no matter who they are.

Judges 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.

It follows that judges should, so far as is reasonable, avoid extra-judicial activities that could result in reasonable apprehension of bias or would result in a conflict of interest. This may involve refraining from sitting in a case where they have a close family relationship with a litigant or avoiding involvement with a political party, in such a way as to give the appearance of political bias. They should also avoid taking part in public demonstrations which might diminish their authority as a judge or create a perception of bias in subsequent cases.

It is, however, important for members of the court to deliver lectures and speeches, partake in conferences and seminars and contribute to debate on matters of public interest in the law, the administration of justice, and the judiciary. In making such contributions, judges will take special care to avoid associating themselves with a particular organisation, group or cause in such a way as to give rise to a perception of partiality towards that organisation, group or cause in the conduct of their judicial duties.

Integrity

Judges’ conduct must be bound by principles of honesty and respect, and may require putting the obligations of judicial office above their own personal interests.

Judges are expected to display:

  • Intellectual honesty
  • Respect for the law and observance of the law
  • Prudent management of financial affairs
  • Diligence and care in the discharge of judicial duties
  • Discretion in personal relationships, social contacts and activities

Generally, judges are entitled to exercise the rights and freedoms available to all citizens. Appointment to judicial office brings with it limitations on the private and public conduct of a judge, but that is not to say judges must refrain entirely from community affairs, as there is great public interest in their engagement. It is also necessary to strike a balance between the requirements of judicial office and the legitimate demands of the judge’s personal and family life.

However, they must accept that the nature of their office exposes them to considerable scrutiny and puts constraints on their behaviour which other people may not experience. They should avoid situations which might reasonably lower respect for their judicial office or might cast doubt upon their impartiality as judges. They must also avoid situations which might expose them to charges of hypocrisy by reason of things done in their private life.

The judge should seek to be courteous, patient, tolerant and punctual and should respect the dignity of all. They must ensure that no one in court is exposed to any display of bias or prejudice on grounds said in the Bangalore principle entitled “equality” to include but not to be limited to “race, colour, sex, religion, national origin, caste, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, social and economic status and other like causes”.

Guidance for JOHs

The Equal Treatment Bench Book is an extensive document which functions as a key work of reference for the judiciary on the matter of equal treatment for all, covering in detail topics such as ethnicity, religion, disability, sexuality, gender, and more. It is continuously updated to reflect changing social circumstances and to include areas of newer, growing research. More recent additions include sections on modern slavery and multicultural communication. JOHs refer to the text for assistance on how best they can tailor conduct and communication styles to create a professional and inclusive courtroom environment. In July 2022 an interim revision of the book was issued, which you can access by clicking here: Equal Treatment Bench Book – Courts and Tribunals Judiciary.

The Guide to Judicial Conduct explains these principles to judges, and provides practical guidance on a wide range of everyday situations.

Training is provided to new judges in independence, integrity and impartiality, and the principles are often addressed in programmes for continuing training.

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

Latest Judgments

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Some items are Crown copyright and are taken from the Judiciary website under the terms and conditions of the Open Government Licence.

Judicial Office

The Ministry of Injustice is not the Ministry of Justice nor is it affiliated in any way with the justice system, legal profession, police or any other law enforcement agencies.

“Publicity is the very soul of justice. . . . It keeps the judge himself, while trying, under trial….Where there is no publicity there is no justice”

Jeremy Bentham – Mr Justice Cobb: ‘Justice must be seen to be done’

Latest Articles ↓

Most Popular ↓

You should always seek formal legal advice from a qualified and reputable lawyer (solicitor or barrister).

There are a number of links to Free and Paid For Legal Resources and Legal Organisations on the Free Legal Advice , Legal Aid and Pro Bono pages.

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Legal Professionals

Mayo Wynne Baxter Solicitors Environmental Hooligans ?

The following unsolicited junk was received from Crawley Council containing an advert for Mayo Wynne Baxter Solicitors.

At a time of war in Ukraine, rising costs and Councils pleading poverty, spending precious funds on hand delivered environmentally unfriendly printed material, is a waste of public money.

Shame on Crawley Council and shame on their advertisers Mayo Wynne Baxter !

How is this Environmentally Friendly ?? Recycling Junk is unnecessary.

Environmental and Financial Impact of Crawley Live Spring 2022 Issue 100 – a Freedom of Information request to Crawley Borough Council – WhatDoTheyKnow

Crawley Borough Council – Environmentally friendly advice ?
Crawley Council
Mayo Wynne Baxter are experienced solicitors based in Brighton, Eastbourne, East Grinstead, Forest Row, Lewes, Pulborough, Seaford and Storrington.

Mayo Wynne Baxter state in their Corporate Social Responsibility statement published on their website.

“We understand that Mayo Wynne Baxter does not exist in isolation nor are we a firm that is simply a way of making money.

We take a responsible attitude, go beyond the minimum legal requirements and follow straightforward principles to ensure that the firm’s activities leave a positive impact on our suppliers, clients, community, staff and environment.”

www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk
Rogue Lawyer – Sometimes you have to fight dirty to get clean

Check out our articles on Solicitors, Solicitors Regulation Authority, Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT), Law Society of England and Wales, Barristers, Direct Access Barristers, Bar Standards Board, Bar Council, Rule of Law and the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board.

The Ministry of Injustice is not the Ministry of Justice nor is it affiliated in any way with the justice system, legal profession, police or any other law enforcement agencies.

“Publicity is the very soul of justice. . . . It keeps the judge himself, while trying, under trial….Where there is no publicity there is no justice”

Jeremy Bentham – Mr Justice Cobb: ‘Justice must be seen to be done’

Latest Articles ↓

Most Popular ↓

You should always seek formal legal advice from a qualified and reputable lawyer (solicitor or barrister).

There are a number of links to Free and Paid For Legal Resources and Legal Organisations on the Free Legal Advice , Legal Aid and Pro Bono pages.

Rule of Law - Open Justice - Policing By Consent