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Law Legal Analysis

What is the Civil Justice Council ?

Civil Justice Council

The Civil Justice Council (CJC) is a non-departmental public body in the United Kingdom, specifically for England and Wales. Its primary role is to advise the Lord Chancellor, the Judiciary, and the Civil Procedure Rule Committee on matters related to civil justice and civil procedure. Here are some key points about the CJC:

  • Establishment: It was established under the Civil Procedure Act 1997, specifically section 6, to help keep the civil justice system under review.
  • Functions:
    • To keep the civil justice system under review.
    • To consider how to make the civil justice system more accessible, fair, and efficient.
    • To advise on the development of the civil justice system.
    • To refer proposals for changes in the civil justice system to the Lord Chancellor and the Civil Procedure Rules Committee.
    • To make proposals for research into civil justice matters.
  • Structure:
    • The Council is chaired by the Sir Geoffrey Vos, Master of the Rolls, who is also one of the senior judges in England and Wales.
    • It includes members from the judiciary, civil servants, legal professionals, and others representing various perspectives within the civil justice system. Current CJC membership January 2024
  • Recent Activities: The CJC has been involved in various initiatives like reviewing the role and potential future of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in civil justice, examining the impact of legislative changes like the Litigation Funding Agreements (Enforceability) Bill, and looking into issues like costs in civil litigation.
  • Public Engagement: The CJC often seeks public and professional input on its reviews and projects, indicating an open process for stakeholder engagement in shaping civil justice reforms.

Civil Justice Council 13th National Forum

The Civil Justice Council (CJC) announced that registration is now open for its 13th National Forum ‘Access to Justice: Working Together’. The Forum will take place on Friday 29 November 2024 at Friends House, London and online. 

Full details of speakers, the event’s agenda and how to register can be found here.

The CJC announce the following speakers (in order of appearance): 

“This year’s National Forum promises to be the best ever. We have an excellent line-up of speakers addressing the theme of working together, and discussing the CJC’s exciting work programme including civil case data, enforcement, litigation funding, mental capacity and digital disadvantage. I very much hope you will join us.” 

Sir Geoffrey Vos – Master of the Rolls

The Civil Justice Council 2023-24 Annual Report is available online.

Minutes and Synopsis of CJC meetings are also available online.

Check out our related articles on Rule of Law, Open Justice, Is the Law Black and White ?, Family Justice Board, Civil Justice Council, Youth Justice Board, Abuse of Process, What Does Lady Justice Symbolise ?, McKenzie Friend, Wasted Costs Order, Can a Judge Direct a Jury to Find a Defendant Not Guilty ?, Law Society, Law Commission, McKenzie Friend Right of Audience, Solicitors, Solicitors Regulation Authority, Barristers, Bar Council of England and Wales, Bar Standards Board, Contra Mundum, R v Sussex Justices, Police Impartiality 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.

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Legal Analysis

Weaponization and Politicisation of Justice ?

Weaponization and Politicisation of Justice
Justice

The concept of the “weaponization and politicisation of justice” generally refers to the misuse of legal systems or judicial processes for political ends.

In the UK :

  • Perceived Political Influence: There have been allegations that the justice system in the UK has been influenced by political agendas.
  • Selective Enforcement: Discussions online have pointed to a perceived disparity in how laws are enforced. For instance, there are sentiments that certain protests or groups receive preferential treatment over others based on political leanings or affiliations. This is often called Two Tier Justice and Two Tier Policing.
  • Legislation for Political Gain: There’s criticism regarding laws created that might serve to benefit legal professionals or align with specific political ideologies, potentially skewing justice towards those who can afford legal representation or align with the political narrative.

It is vitally important in a democracy that individual judges and the judiciary as a whole are impartial and independent of all external pressures and of each other so that those who appear before them and the wider public can have confidence that their cases will be decided fairly and in accordance with the law. When carrying out their judicial function they must be free of any improper influence. Such influence could come from any number of sources. It could arise from improper pressure by the executive or the legislature, by individual litigants, particular pressure groups, the media, self-interest or other judges, in particular more senior judges.

Judicial Independence

Data released today (16 August 2024) confirms 460 people arrested in connection with the violent disorder earlier this month have faced their day in court and at least 99 have already been sentenced.

Hundreds more people continue appearing in court following violent disorder
Violent Disorder – Suspended Sentence ?

Around the World :

  • United States: The concept of “lawfare” has been discussed, where legal battles are seen as strategic tools in political warfare. The FBI’s investigations, especially those touching on high-profile political figures, have been accused of being politically motivated, either to protect or persecute, depending on the political lens through which one views the actions.
  • Global Trends:
    • Censorship and Control: There’s a growing concern about the use of legal systems to suppress dissent or free speech, often under the guise of combating misinformation or hate speech. This is not just a Western issue; in many countries, laws against “fake news” have been criticised for being tools for political control.
    • Selective Prosecution: Various nations have faced accusations of using their legal systems to target opposition leaders, activists, or minorities. This includes high-profile cases where legal actions seem disproportionate or politically motivated, aimed at silencing criticism or dissent.
    • International Influence: The influence of international bodies or agreements (like the European Convention on Human Rights) in domestic legal decisions has been contentious, with some arguing it leads to a form of justice that might not reflect national interests or public sentiment.

Perspectives :

  • Conservative Viewpoints: Some conservative voices argue that progressive politics have influenced the justice system, leading to what they perceive as an unfair targeting of conservative figures or movements. They might point to investigations or legal actions against high-profile conservative politicians or supporters as examples.
  • Liberal Viewpoints: Conversely, liberals might argue that conservative administrations have historically attempted to manipulate justice processes to shield allies or undermine political adversaries. The use of terms like “lawfare” in some discussions highlights this perspective, where legal battles are seen as warfare by other means.
  • Neutral Observations: Many analysts advocate for a justice system that operates independently of political pressures. The concern here is not about which side is doing the weaponizing but that any such action undermines the integrity of legal institutions, public trust in these institutions, and the democratic process itself.

Implications :

  • Erosion of Trust: When justice is perceived as a tool for political ends, it significantly erodes public trust in legal and governmental institutions. This can lead to broader societal distrust and polarization.
  • Legal System Integrity: The politicisation of justice can compromise the rule of law, where laws are applied not uniformly but selectively based on political affiliations or influence.
  • Impact on Democracy: A politicized justice system can deter political participation, especially among those who feel targeted, and can skew political accountability, potentially allowing corruption or misconduct to go unchecked.

Counteractions :

  • Judicial Independence: Strengthening judicial independence is often cited as a countermeasure, ensuring that judges can make decisions free from political pressure.
  • Transparency and Accountability: Increasing transparency in legal proceedings and accountability for judicial and prosecutorial decisions can help mitigate perceptions of bias.
  • Public and Media Scrutiny: An active civil society and media can play roles in highlighting and challenging instances where justice appears to be misused for political ends.

The discussion around the weaponization and politicisation of justice underscores a critical challenge for democratic societies: ensuring that justice remains impartial and free from political manipulation.

Addressing these concerns often requires robust checks and balances, transparency, and sometimes, reforms to reinforce the independence of judicial institutions. This ongoing debate reflects broader tensions about governance, power, and fairness in legal systems globally.

Check out our related articles on Rule of Law, Innocent until Proven Guilty, Open Justice, R v Sussex Justices, His Honour Judge Jeremy Richardson KC, His Honour Judge Melbourne Inman KC, 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.

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Judiciary Legal Professionals

Circuit Judges

Circuit Judge HHJ

A Circuit Judge in England and Wales is a judge who presides over cases in the Crown Court and County Courts.

  1. Hierarchy: They rank below High Court Judges but above District Judges and Recorders in the judicial hierarchy.
  2. Appointments: Circuit Judges are appointed by the King on the recommendation of the Lord Chancellor, based on advice from the Judicial Appointments Commission. They need to have substantial legal experience, typically at least 10 years, before being considered for the position.
  3. Roles:
    • Crown Court: They handle criminal cases, which might include everything from minor offenses to more serious crimes like murder or rape, though the most complex cases might be reserved for High Court Judges.
    • County Court: They deal with civil cases, which can range from small claims to more significant disputes concerning contracts, personal injury, and family law (like divorce or child custody).
  4. Jurisdiction: They have jurisdiction throughout England and Wales, but they are generally assigned to one of the six circuits (North Eastern, Northern, South Eastern, Midland and Oxford, Wales and Chester, Western Circuit).
  5. Style: They are referred to as “His/Her Honour Judge [Surname]” in court and formal settings.
  6. Duties: Apart from hearing cases, they might also sit on appeal courts for decisions from lower courts or tribunals, participate in judicial training, and contribute to the administration of justice in various capacities.

Bands worn over a violet robe and a short wig.
When hearing criminal cases, circuit judges wear a red tippet (sash) over the left shoulder.
When dealing with civil business, circuit judges dress as in criminal cases, but with a lilac tippet and without a wig or bands, wing collar or collarette.
On some occasions – when dealing with certain types of High Court business, or when sitting at the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey) in London – circuit judges wear a short wig and black silk gown over a court coat and/or waistcoat.

Court Working Dress – Circuit Judge

Check out our articles on Dodgy Judges, Judges Salaries and Fees, His Honour Judge Melbourne Inman KC, His Honour Now His Dishonour, His Honour Judge Michael Slater, His Honour Judge Martin Davis, HHJ Farquhar, Do you Have to Bow to a Judge ?, Can you Email a Judge ?, Can you Criticise a Judge ? and the highly dubious 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.

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Judiciary Legal Professionals

District Judge

District Judge

A District Judge in England and Wales is a judicial officer who presides over lower court proceedings, primarily in the Magistrates’ Courts and County Courts.

Magistrates’ Courts:

  • Criminal Cases: District Judges handle criminal cases, but their jurisdiction is generally limited to less serious offenses or cases where the accused opts for summary trial (trial without a jury). They can sentence defendants for offenses like summary offenses or either-way offenses where the defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty in a summary trial. However, they can only impose sentences up to 6 months imprisonment for a single offense (or up to 12 months in total for multiple offenses).
  • Civil Cases: Although less common, they might deal with civil proceedings in the Magistrates’ Courts, like family proceedings under the Family Law Act 1996.

County Courts:

  • Civil Jurisdiction: In the County Court, District Judges handle a variety of civil matters including small claims (up to £10,000), possession proceedings for property, and other civil disputes. They can also deal with some aspects of insolvency, family law, and housing law.

Other Duties:

  • Appeals: They might hear appeals from decisions made by magistrates or other lower judicial officers.
  • Case Management: District Judges often play a significant role in case management, helping to direct cases towards mediation or trial, making procedural rulings, and sometimes conducting pre-trial reviews or settlement hearings.

District Judges are legally qualified (they must be barristers or solicitors with at least seven years of rights of audience) and are appointed by the Judicial Appointments Commission. They are distinct from “Magistrates,” who are lay judges, meaning they are not legally trained but trained for their role.

The appointment to the position of District Judge is quite competitive, requiring significant legal experience and passing through a rigorous selection process. They play a crucial role in the administration of justice at a grassroots level, dealing with a high volume of cases that affect the daily lives of many citizens.

In open court district judges wear the civil robe introduced in October 2008, with blue tabs at the neck and without a wig.

Court Working Dress – District Judge

Check out our articles on Dodgy Judges, Judges Salaries and Fees, His Honour Judge Melbourne Inman KC, His Honour Now His Dishonour, His Honour Judge Michael Slater, His Honour Judge Martin Davis, HHJ Farquhar, Do you Have to Bow to a Judge ?, Can you Email a Judge ?, Can you Criticise a Judge ? and the highly dubious 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.

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Deputy District Judge

Deputy District Judges

Deputy district judges such DDJ Nicholes are appointed by the Lord Chancellor after a fair and open competition administered by the Judicial Appointments Commission, and the statutory qualification is the same as that for appointment as a district judge – a minimum of five years’ right of audience in any part of the Supreme Court, or all proceedings in county courts or magistrates’ courts.

Deputy district judges sit on a fee-paid basis in the county courts and district registries of the High Court for between 15 and 50 days a year. In general their jurisdiction is the same as that of a district judge.

Appointments are for five years, and are automatically extended by the Lord Chancellor for further successive terms of five years – subject to the office holder’s agreement and the retirement age of 70.

In open court, Deputy District Judges wear a black coat with bands, a King’s Counsel’s or junior barrister’s gown with no wig.

Court Working Dress – Deputy District Judge

Deputy District Judge Chris Mills the only Disrict judge in the UK

Read more about DDJ Mills in our Dodgy Judges article.

Deputy District Judge Christopher Mills email address is [email protected]

Deputy District Judge Mills / DDJ Mills South East Circuit
DDJ Mills Brighton Family Court

Check out our articles on Dodgy Judges, Judges Salaries and Fees, His Honour Judge Melbourne Inman KC, His Honour Now His Dishonour, His Honour Judge Michael Slater, His Honour Judge Martin Davis, HHJ Farquhar, Do you Have to Bow to a Judge ?, Can you Email a Judge ?, Can you Criticise a Judge ? and the highly dubious 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.

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Her Honour Judge Angela Rafferty KC

HHJ Angela Rafferty KC

Her Honour Judge Angela Rafferty KC handed Farhad Mohammad a three-year community order at the Old Bailey on the 23rd October 2024 after he was found guilty of two charges of funding terrorism by making money transfers to his nephew in Syria.

HHJ Rafferty also ordered him to complete 250 hours of unpaid work, to be subject to an electronically monitored curfew and complete a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

The Sentencing Council publish sentencing guidelines for Funding terrorism which comes under the Terrorism Act 2000, s.15, Terrorism Act 2000, s.16, Terrorism Act 2000, s.17, Terrorism Act 2000, s.18.

There was online criticism that the sentence handed down for a terrorism offence was deemed to be too lenient :-

It is assumed Farhad Mohammad demonstrated Culpability C (Performed limited function under direction – Very little or no planning) and Harm was Category 3 (Money or property made, or was likely to make, a minor contribution to furthering terrorism).

It would appear that the sentence handed down by the honourable judge Rafferty to Farhad Mohammad for Funding Terrorism was in line with the Sentencing Council guidelines.

Terrorist groups rely on financial support and funding to be able to operate. While Mohammad’s contributions may not have been vast sums, he was well aware his nephew wanted the money to purchase a firearm and to help fund his fighting in Syria.

Commander Dom Murphy – Met Police Counter Terrorism Command

Counter Terrorism Policing need your help to stop terrorists being able to plan, prepare and carry out attacks, groom or recruit people or encourage others to carry out attacks. You may have seen or heard something that could be that vital piece of information that will help to stop a terrorist attack. Report Online, contacting the police in confidence on 0800 789 321 or in an emergency 999.

HHJ Rafferty is shown on the List of Circuit Judges published on the Courts and Tribunal Judiciary website. Her Honour Judge Rafferty is a Circuit Judge.

Her Honour Judge Angela Margaret Mary Rafferty KCLondon07-01-2019
List of Circuit Judges

Former Chair of the Criminal Bar Association HHJ Angela Rafferty KC is a specialist in grave high profile criminal cases nationwide involving the vulnerable, including young people with mental and physical disabilities, and frequently represents women accused of homicide and young people accused of serious sexual offences in this and other jurisdictions.

In conversation with HHJ Angela Rafferty KC – Justice.org.uk

The Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) selects candidates for judicial office in England and Wales, and for some tribunals with UK-wide powers. The JAC is made up of 15 Commissioners, supported by a Senior Leadership Team, Panel Members and around 90 staff.

Her Honour Judge Angela Rafferty KC was appointed to the JAC as a Judicial Commissioner on the 9th June 2024. Angela was called to the Bar in 1995, appointed a Recorder in 2009 and took silk in 2015.  Since 2019, Angela has sat as a Senior Circuit Judge in the Central Criminal Court.

Her Honour Judge Angela Rafferty KC – Judicial Appointments Commission

HHJ Angela Rafferty KC was the trial judge at the Old Bailey for three people who were subsequently jailed for murdering a vulnerable woman they “treated like a slave” by starving, torturing and beating her. HHJ Rafferty sentencing remarks were published on the 1st March 2024. The video was published on the 5th March 2024.

HHJ Rafferty Sentencing Remarks – R-v-PendleburyDownload
HHJ Rafferty – Trio jailed for over 100 years for murder of woman they treated like slave

HHJ Angela Rafferty appeared on the Bar Council of England Wales YouTube Channel in 2017 for International Women’s Day.

Her Honour Judge Angela Rafferty KC – Bar Council of England Wales

Through their distinguished track record and their pre-eminent place in the legal world, our new visiting professors will bring the law to life along with giving our students a real time appreciation of its impact both intellectually and professionally

HHJ Angela Rafferty to join Goldsmiths’ Department of Law as a visiting Professor.

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

“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’

Image of HHJ Rafferty : Bar Council of England and Wales (Screenshot)

Check out our articles on Mr Justice Williams, Dodgy Judges, His Honour Judge Melbourne Inman KC, His Honour Andrew Menary KC, His Honour Judge Guy Kearl, His Honour Now His Dishonour, His Honour Judge Michael Slater, His Honour Judge Martin Davis, HHJ Farquhar, HHJ Bedford, DDJ Nicholes, Judge Pinder, Do you Have to Bow to a Judge ?, Can you Email a Judge ?, Can you Criticise a Judge ? and the highly dubious 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.

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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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Criminal Justice Law Legal Analysis

Detention at His Majesty’s Pleasure ?

Detention at His Majesty's Pleasure

Detention at His Majesty’s Pleasure is a term used in the United Kingdom for an indeterminate sentence where the offender is detained for an unspecified period. This kind of sentence is typically used for young offenders or those convicted of particularly serious crimes, where the length of detention is not fixed at the time of sentencing.

Detention during His Majesty’s Pleasure is a mandatory life sentence and will be imposed when a child or young person is convicted or pleads guilty to murder. Schedule 21 of the Sentencing Act 2020 states that the starting point for determining the minimum sentence where the offender is under 18 years of age is 12 years as opposed to 15 years for those over the age of 18.

Types of sentences for children and young people – Sentencing Council
  1. Purpose: The main idea is that the offender should be detained until they are no longer considered a threat to society or until they have been rehabilitated. This could theoretically mean detention for life, or until the offender’s behaviour and development indicate that release is appropriate.
  2. Who It Applies To: Historically, this sentence was often used for juveniles convicted of serious crimes like murder, where an adult would receive a life sentence. However, it can also apply to adults in certain contexts, particularly where mental health issues are involved. The Mental Health Act 1983 allows for the detention of individuals who have committed offenses but are also suffering from mental disorders. When someone is detained at His Majesty’s Pleasure, especially under a mental health context, it’s often because they’ve been found not guilty by reason of insanity or unfit to plead, or they’ve been convicted of an offense where a psychiatric disposal is deemed more appropriate than a penal sentence.
  3. Legal Framework: The phrase “at His Majesty’s Pleasure” reflects the historical power of the monarch to detain subjects. In modern times, this power is exercised through the Home Office or relevant judicial or parole boards who decide when it’s safe to release the individual.
  4. Review and Release: The detention period is subject to periodic review. Decisions regarding release are based on assessments of risk, rehabilitation progress, and changes in the offender’s maturity and mental state.
  5. Differences from Life Sentences: Unlike a life sentence with a tariff (a minimum term to be served before parole can be considered), detention at His Majesty’s Pleasure doesn’t set a minimum term upfront, although in practice, a minimum term might be recommended by the judge.
  6. Criticism and Reform: This type of sentencing has faced criticism for its uncertainty, which can be psychologically challenging for detainees. There have been calls for reform to provide more clarity or to set tariffs in a way similar to life sentences but tailored to the developmental needs of young offenders.
  7. International Perspective: The concept is somewhat unique to the UK legal system, though other countries have similar provisions for indefinite detention for the purposes of rehabilitation or public protection, particularly for juvenile offenders or those with mental health issues.

In 2002 the then The Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales Baron Woolf published a statement Review of Minimum Terms set for Young Offenders detained at her Majesty’s Pleasure.

King Charles III, formerly known as The Prince of Wales, became King on the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September 2022.

Image of King Charles III created by Grok-3

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.

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Criminal Justice Judiciary Legal Professionals

His Honour Judge Jeremy Richardson KC

HHJ Jeremy Richardson KC

His Honour Judge Jeremy Richardson KC (The Recorder of Sheffield) sentenced Grandfather Peter Lynch, who had pleaded guilty to a charge of violent disorder, to a jail term of two years and eight months on the 22nd August 2024.

“You did not yourself attack any police officer, as far as can be detected, but what you did was encourage by your conduct others to behave violently and you were part of this mob……What a disgraceful example you are as a grandfather.”

HHJ Richardson KC

A Prison Service spokeswoman said on Monday 21st October 2024 “HMP Moorland prisoner Peter Lynch died on October 19 2023.”

“As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate.”

There has been an outpouring of public opinion since the death of Peter Lynch including the “harsh sentence” handed down by His Honour Judge Jeremy Richardson KC and the suspected influence of British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer KC on the criminal justice system.

Kay Burley asked the Lord Chancellor on Sky TV : Should Peter Lynch a first time offender with a poor health record, have been jailed?

Did Keir Starmer Sign a ‘Death Sentence’ for Peter Lynch? HHJ Richardson KC ?
Judge Jeremy Richardson on X
The Recorder of Sheffield HHJ Jeremy Richardson KC
Did He Deserve Three Years In Jail – His Honour Judge Richardson KC ?

HHJ Richardson is shown on the List of Circuit Judges published on the Courts and Tribunal Judiciary website.

His Honour Judge Jeremy William Richardson KCNorth East14-05-2018
List of Circuit Judges

HHJ Richardson is shown on the Resident Judges list published on the Courts and Tribunal Judiciary website.

CircuitCourtJudgesDate of appointment
 North EastSheffield Combined Court CentreHHJ Jeremy Richardson KC14-05-18
Resident Judges

His Honour Judge Richardson is a Circuit Judge.

His Honour Judge Jeremy Richardson is a Master of the Bench at the Inner Temple. He has been a Judicial Governing Bencher since the 19th July 2007.

HHJ Richardson is also Master of the Inner Temple LGBTQ+ Society, and member of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Sub-Committee.

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

Authorisation to sit as a High Court Judge

HHJ Richardson may be authorised to sit as a High Court Judge by s9(1) of the Senior Courts Act as amended by the Crime and Courts Act 2013.

According to CRIMINAL PRACTICE DIRECTIONS 2015 DIVISION XII HHJ Richardson should be addressed as “My Lord” in court.

Modes of Address B.1 – The following judges, when sitting in court, should be addressed as ‘My Lord’ or ‘My Lady’

(b) any Circuit Judge sitting as a judge of the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) or the High Court under section 9(1) of the Senior Courts Act 1981;
(d) any Senior Circuit Judge who is an Honorary Recorder.

Description B.3 – In cause lists, forms and orders members of the judiciary should be described as follows:

(a) Circuit Judges, as ‘His [or Her] Honour Judge A’. When the judge is sitting as a judge of the High Court under section 9(1) of the Senior Courts Act 1981, the words ‘sitting as a judge of the High Court’ should be added;

“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’

Image of HHJ Richardson : Grimsby Telegraph

Check out our articles on Dodgy Judges, Mr Justice Williams, His Honour Judge Melbourne Inman KC, His Honour Andrew Menary KC, His Honour Judge Guy Kearl, His Honour Now His Dishonour, His Honour Judge Michael Slater, His Honour Judge Martin Davis, HHJ Farquhar, HHJ Bedford, DDJ Nicholes, Do you Have to Bow to a Judge ?, Can you Email a Judge ?, Can you Criticise a Judge ? and the highly dubious 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.

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Judiciary Legal Analysis Legal Professionals

Can you Email a Judge ?

Email a Judge

The Judiciary of England and Wales use Microsoft 365 for email using the ejudiciary.net domain. This domain is connected to the Internet and accepts email via MX ejudiciary-net.mail.protection.outlook.com. This is public information.

ejudiciary.net M365
ejudiciary.net – Microsoft 365

The rule of law is a fundamental constitutional principle which underpins an open, fair and peaceful society, where citizens and businesses can prosper. Our judges and magistrates are its cornerstone.

Lady Chief Justice on the public ejudiciary.net page

I sent an email lawfully requesting information about his “occupation” to His Honour Judge Melbourne Inman KC copying the The Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales (LCJ) on the 21st October 2024.

To: [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: HHJ Melbourne Inman KC – Media Enquiry
Importance: High

Dear Judge

cc The Right Honourable The Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales

I asked the Judiciary Press Office for comment (as below) on Friday 18th October 2024 but they have not replied.

Could you please answer the following questions :-

  1. Are you a Circuit Judge or High Court Judge ?
  2. Are you authorised to sit as a High Court Judge ?
  3. Should your occupation at  Companies House be shown as High Court Judge ?

An article was published at noon on the 18th October 2024 https://ministryofinjustice.co.uk/his-honour-judge-melbourne-inman-kc/. It has received a considerable amount of worldwide attention.

The Lady Chief Justice states as a co-signatory of the document Judicial Discipline –  Misconduct and recommending sanctions (https://www.complaints.judicialconduct.gov.uk/rulesandregulations/MisconductandRecommendingSanctions)

“As Lord Chancellor and Lady Chief Justice, we are jointly responsible for judicial discipline………The public has a right to expect that on the rare occasions when judicial office holders do not meet the high standards of conduct expected of them, action will be taken.”

I do not believe that the JCIO will accept a complaint concerning “misrepresentation” hence the cc to The Right Honourable The Lady Chief Justice to deal with and action.

Regards

Email to HHJ Inman and The Lady Chief Justice

An autoreply was received from the LCJ’s former High Court email address.

From: Archived Mail Address – Carr LJ <[email protected]>
Subject: Automatic reply: HHJ Melbourne Inman KC – Media Enquiry

Dame Sue Carr has now been appointed as the Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales, please direct any queries to [email protected]

So yes you can email a judge…however

Sending threatening or malicious messages using a public electronic communication, such as via email, may amount to an offence. Do not do it.

The relevant legislation of England and Wales includes :-

Malicious Communications Act 1988 Section 1
Communications Act 2003 Section 127
Part 10 of the Online Safety Act 2023
Protection from Harassment Act 1997
Computer Misuse Act 1990

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) publish legal guidance on Communications Offences.

Judicial Email Format

Judges are by their very nature public figures. Open justice is a fundamental principle at the very heart of the justice system and vital to the rule of law.

‘It is not merely of some importance but is of fundamental importance that justice should not only be done, but should manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done’

R v Sussex Justices –  Lord Hewart

Judicial email addresses, including High Court Judges, are widely published on the internet and easily found by a simple Google search. This article only contains publicly and readily available information.

The format for most judicial email addresses are as follows :-

Sent an Email to the Wrong Person ?

“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’

Check out our articles on Dodgy Judges, Judges Salaries and Fees, Can you Criticise a Judge, Criminal Justice Secure eMail (CJSM), Do you Have to Bow to a Judge ?, His Honour Now His Dishonour, His Honour Melbourne Inman KC, His Honour Judge Jeremy Richardson KC, His Honour Judge Michael Slater, His Honour Judge Martin Davis, HHJ Farquhar and the highly dubious 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.

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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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Legal Analysis

Lying vs Dishonesty ?

Lying vs Dishonesty

Lying refers to the act of deliberately telling or conveying something that is not true, with the intent to deceive or mislead someone. People, companies and institutions may lie for various reasons, such as shame, panic, or the desire to cover for someone else.

Here are some key aspects of lying :-

  • Intent: The person knows the truth but chooses to say something false.
  • Purpose: It often aims to manipulate the perception or actions of others.
  • Examples: Saying you didn’t do something you actually did, or claiming knowledge of something you don’t know.

Dishonesty, while encompassing lying, is broader and can include various forms of untruthfulness or withholding the truth.

Here’s what dishonesty entails :-

  • Scope: It includes not only lying but also actions like:
    • Misleading: Providing information in a way that leads to a false conclusion without directly lying.
    • Omission: Leaving out important information that would change the understanding of the situation.
    • Exaggeration: Stretching the truth to an extent that it misrepresents reality.
    • Deception: Using any method (including lies, but not limited to) to make someone believe something that isn’t true.
  • Intent: While lying always involves intent to deceive, dishonesty can sometimes be less deliberate, such as when someone might inadvertently mislead by not clarifying a misunderstanding.
  • Examples:
    • Not correcting someone’s false assumption (omission).
    • Overstating one’s qualifications in a resume (exaggeration).
    • Crafting a story in a way that manipulates the truth without directly lying (misleading).

Key Differences:

  • Directness: Lying is direct falsification of truth, while dishonesty can be indirect or through omission.
  • Intent: Lying always requires intent to deceive; dishonesty might not always involve deliberate deceit.
  • Behaviour: Lying is a specific behaviour within the broader spectrum of dishonesty.

A Lucas Direction, stemming from the case of R v Lucas (Ruth) [1981] EWCA Crim J0519-8, is a legal principle used in criminal trials to guide the jury on how to consider the evidence of lies told by a defendant. The case of Regina v Lucas (Ruth) is a landmark decision that established the criteria under which a lie can be considered as evidence of guilt.

In essence, all lies are dishonest, but not all dishonesty involves lying. Dishonesty can be more passive or indirectly manipulative, whereas lying is an active, deliberate fabrication of the truth.

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.

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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