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Criminal Justice Law Legal Analysis Policing

What is a Non-Crime Hate Incident (NCHI) ?

A Non-Crime Hate Incident (NCHI) in the UK refers to any incident where an individual or group perceives that they have been subjected to hostility or prejudice based on race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or transgender identity, even if no criminal activity has taken place. Here are key points about NCHIs:

  • Definition: It is defined as any non-crime incident which is perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice. This perception does not require evidence or justification from the victim regarding the hostility.
  • Purpose: NCHIs are recorded by the police to monitor community tensions, potential risks of escalation into more serious incidents or crimes, and to provide data for understanding patterns of prejudice or hostility.
  • Recording Criteria: Not all perceived hate incidents are recorded as NCHIs. There are specific criteria:
    • The incident must disturb an individual’s, group’s, or community’s quality of life or cause concern.
    • The incident must meet an additional threshold if personal data is to be recorded, indicating a real risk of significant harm or future criminal offence against individuals or groups with the same characteristic.
  • Legal Implications: While NCHIs do not result in criminal charges, they can appear in enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, which might affect employment opportunities, especially in sectors requiring such checks.
  • Freedom of Speech: Recent guidance and legal reviews have emphasized balancing the recording of NCHIs with the protection of free speech, ensuring that trivial, irrational, or malicious reports do not lead to the recording of personal data unless necessary. The Free Speech Union published An Orwellian Society: Non-Crime Hate Incidents and the policing of speech.
  • Public and Legal Scrutiny: There has been scrutiny over NCHIs, with concerns that they might infringe on free speech or be used maliciously. Changes in guidance now aim for a more proportionate approach where NCHIs are only recorded when deemed absolutely necessary and not merely based on someone being offended.

The Home Office published Statutory guidance – Non-Crime Hate Incidents: Code of Practice on the Recording and Retention of Personal Data (accessible)

Allison Pearson, an award-winning writer, is being investigated by Essex Police for allegedly stirring up racial hatred in a social media post last November.

The scale of the investigation has now become clear, with officers from the Metropolitan Police, Sussex Police and Essex Police all having handled the complaint over the past year.

The Telegraph understands that the post was reported to the Metropolitan Police as a potential breach of the Malicious Communications Act in November last year. The case was then passed to Sussex Police, which marked it as a possible non-crime hate incident (NCHI) as well as a potential malicious communication.

Sussex Police passed it to Essex, where Pearson lives.

The TelegraphNon-Crime Hate Incident (NCHI) or Stirring Up Racial Hatred ?
Non Crime Hate Incident Headlines – The Telegraph

Essex Police sets up ‘gold group’ normally reserved for major crimes to lead Allison Pearson probe

Keir Starmer says police should focus on ‘what matters most’ – amid growing anger over police investigation into Allison Pearson’s tweet

It should be noted that Article 10 of the Human Rights Act 1998 gives the right to freedom of expression.

The Public Order Act 1986, Part III defines Racial Hatred. What is Christophobia ? What is Islamophobia ?

The BlackBelt Barrister published a video Police Will come for YOU Next which examines the right to Free Speech.

“Free speech encompasses the right to offend, and indeed to abuse another.” Para 43 Scottow v CPS [2020] EWHC 3421 (Admin)

Attack on Free Speech ? Black Belt Barrister

Incidents such as the Allison Pearson tweet are supposed to be part of a broader effort to address and monitor hate-related issues in society without necessarily involving criminal law and sanctions. They can still have implications for the individuals involved due to the recording of such incidents by the police.

Check out our related articles on What is Sub Judice ?, What is a Cover Up ?, Rule of Law, Open Justice, Policing by Consent, Innocent until Proven Guilty, R v Sussex Justices 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 or any law enforcement agencies.


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‘Justice delayed is justice denied’

 William Ewart Gladstone

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

What is a Cover Up ?

A coverup is an attempt to conceal wrongdoing, mistakes, or embarrassing information, usually by those in positions of power or authority. It involves:

  1. Suppression or Destruction of Evidence: Hiding, altering, or destroying documents, footage, or other evidence that could reveal the truth.
  2. Misinformation: Spreading false or misleading information to divert attention or to create a narrative that distracts from or contradicts the real events.
  3. Silence or Intimidation: Preventing individuals from speaking out through threats, bribes, or other coercive measures.
  4. Limited Hangout: Admitting to minor faults to distract from the more severe issues, making it seem like the problem has been addressed when it hasn’t.
  5. Official Secrecy: Using legal or procedural means like classification or ‘national security’ claims to keep information under wraps.

Coverups can occur in various contexts, from government and corporate sectors to personal or organisational levels, often aiming to protect reputations, avoid legal consequences, or maintain power.

Here are some notable examples of coverups in the UK…

  1. Hillsborough Disaster (1989):
    • Initially, there was an attempt to blame the tragedy on Liverpool fans. It took years, multiple investigations, and the persistence of the victims’ families to reveal the police’s role and their subsequent coverup of their errors and mistakes during the event.
  2. Bloody Sunday (1972):
    • The initial Widgery Report largely exonerated the British soldiers involved in the shooting of 13 unarmed civilians in Derry, attributing some blame to the victims. It wasn’t until the Saville Inquiry in 2010 that a more truthful account was acknowledged, terming the actions of the soldiers as “unjustified and unjustifiable.”
  3. The Birmingham Six and Guildford Four:
    • These were high-profile miscarriages of justice where individuals were wrongly convicted for IRA bombings in the 1970s. There’s been significant critique and evidence suggesting that judicial processes failed, with police and prosecution potentially withholding evidence that could have proven their innocence. The convictions were eventually overturned, but not before those involved served years in prison.
  4. The Profumo Affair (1963):
    • John Profumo, the Secretary of State for War, initially denied having an affair with Christine Keeler, who was also linked to a Soviet naval attaché. His deceit led to a political scandal and his resignation. The coverup attempt involved misleading statements to Parliament and the public.
  5. Carl Beech Case (Operation Midland):
    • This case involved allegations of a VIP paedophile ring which were later proven to be fabrications by Carl Beech. The police and the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) faced criticism for their handling of the case, including possibly overlooking evidence that could have discredited Beech sooner, thereby indirectly facilitating a coverup of the truth about the allegations.
  6. The Post Office Horizon IT Scandal:
    • Over many years, sub-postmasters were wrongly prosecuted due to faults in the Horizon IT system. The Post Office maintained the system’s integrity, leading to wrongful convictions, financial ruin, and jail time for many. The coverup involved denial of system errors, aggressive legal tactics against sub-postmasters, and suppression of whistleblower information. The judicial system’s role in prosecuting sub-postmasters based on flawed evidence from the Horizon system can also be seen as part of a broader coverup.
  7. Child Abuse in Care Homes:
    • There have been numerous instances where abuse in children’s homes was covered up. For example, the Rotherham child sexual exploitation scandal saw widespread abuse that was known to authorities but not adequately acted upon for many years due to fear of being labelled racist or due to incompetence.
  8. Kincora Boys’ Home:
    • Allegations have persisted that abuse at Kincora was known to authorities, including MI5, who allegedly used one of the abusers for intelligence purposes. The lack of thorough investigation or prosecution for years could be seen as a form of coverup, although direct judicial involvement in hiding the truth has not been conclusively proven.
  9. Undercover Police Scandals:
    • Undercover police infiltrated various protest groups, forming long-term relationships with activists under false pretenses. The extent of these operations, including fathering children with activists without revealing their true identity, was hidden from public knowledge for decades.
  10. Royal Sussex County Hospital:
    • The hospital and trust are well known for scandal, controversy and medical negligence. It has also been accused of bullying whistle-blowers and turning a blind eye to serious complaints about nursing staff.

These examples highlight a spectrum of coverup activities from misdirection and denial to active suppression of information, illustrating the complexities and implications of such actions in public and legal spheres.

Check out our related articles on Rule of Law, Open Justice, Policing by Consent, Innocent until Proven Guilty, R v Sussex Justices, What is Sub Judice ?, What is a Non-Crime Hate Incident (NCHI) ?, What is Christophobia ?, What is Islamophobia ? 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 or any law enforcement agencies.


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‘Justice delayed is justice denied’

 William Ewart Gladstone

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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Law Legal Professionals

Government Legal Department (GLD)

The Government Legal Department (GLD) serves as the principal legal adviser to the UK Government. The core purpose of the GLD is to help the government to govern well, within the rule of law. The GLD is a non-ministerial government department and executive agency.

The GLD has more than 3,000 employees, around 2,500 of whom are solicitors or barristers. Susanna McGibbon is the Treasury Solicitor and Permanent Secretary of the Government Legal Department. The Treasury Solicitor is the government’s most senior legal official 

Susanna took up the role of Treasury Solicitor and Permanent Secretary of the Government Legal Department on Monday 8 March 2021.

Her previous roles include:

  • Director General, Directorate B, Government Legal Department, 2018 to 2021
  • Director of Litigation, Government Legal Department, 2012 to 2018
  • Legal Director, Department of Communities and Local Government, 2009 to 2012
  • Legal Director, Department for Business Innovation and Skills, 2006 to 2009
HM Procurator General, Treasury Solicitor and Head of the Government Legal Profession
  • Role and Function: The GLD provides legal advice on the development, design, and implementation of government policies and decisions. It drafts secondary legislation and works with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel on primary legislation. The department represents the government in court proceedings, offering litigation services for most government departments and agencies.
  • Structure: The GLD is organised into various teams:
    • Parliamentary and Advisory Teams: These provide legal advice across numerous policy areas, ensuring government actions are legally sound and compliant.
    • Litigation Group: Handles legal disputes in various courts, covering public and private law, and supports public inquiries.
    • Commercial Law Group: Focuses on commercial law issues, including procurement, contracts, intellectual property, and state aid to ensure value for money in public spending.
  • Leadership: The GLD is headed by the Treasury Solicitor, who also holds the title of His Majesty’s Procurator General. This role involves managing the department and reporting to the Attorney General for England and Wales.
  • Scope: Besides serving Whitehall departments, the GLD extends its services to other organizations like HM Revenue & Customs, MI5, MI6, and various other governmental bodies. It’s also involved in handling ownerless property (bona vacantia) in England, except in certain regions where it’s delegated.
  • Significance: Its work is critical for ensuring that government operations, policy-making, and legal proceedings are conducted within the rule of law. This includes both advising on policy legality and defending or bringing legal actions on behalf of the government.

We are the government’s principal legal advisers. Our core purpose is to help the government to govern well, within the rule of law.

We do this by providing legal advice on the development, design and implementation of government policies and decisions, drafting secondary legislation and working with Parliamentary Counsel on primary legislation, and representing the government in court.

Government Legal Department

Government Legal Department
102 Petty France
Westminster
London
SW1H 9GL
United Kingdom

Email : thetreasurysolicitor@governmentlegal.gov.uk

The GLD’s work underscores its role in maintaining legal integrity and accountability in governmental functions, ensuring that the government operates legally and ethically.

Check out our articles on  R v Sussex Justices, Rule of Law, Lady Chief Justice, Solicitor General, Attorney General, Policing by Consent 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 or any law enforcement agencies.


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‘Justice delayed is justice denied’

 William Ewart Gladstone

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 Policing

What is a High Sheriff ?

The “High Sheriff” is an independent non-political Royal appointment for a single year only. There are 55 High Sheriffs serving the counties of England and Wales. The post is unpaid (except for a nominal court attendance allowance), and the general expenses of the office are borne personally by the holder.

There is a High Sheriff for each county in England and Wales, although the Shrieval Counties (“Shrieval” means anything to do with a Sheriff) no longer align with administrative areas, this creates a mix between the traditional counties and more recent local authority areas.

High Sheriffs – The Privy Council
  1. Historical Role: The office dates back to Anglo-Saxon times, originally appointed to enforce law and order in a shire (county). The ‘Shire Reeve’ was responsible to the king for the maintenance of law and order within the shire, or county, and for the collection and return of taxes due to the Crown. Of the 63 clauses in the Magna Carta of 1215, no less than 27 relate to the role of the Sheriff and from 1254 the High Sheriff supervised the election to Parliament of two Knights of the Shire. Over centuries, the role has evolved significantly.
  2. Legislation: The Sheriffs’ Declaration Act 1835 and Sheriffs Act 1887.
  3. Current Duties: Today, the High Sheriff has mostly ceremonial and social responsibilities rather than law enforcement duties:
  • To lend active support to the principal organs of the Constitution within their county – the Royal Family, the Judiciary, the Police and other law enforcement agencies, the emergency services, local authorities, and church and faith groups
  • To take an active part in supporting and promoting the voluntary sector and giving all possible encouragement to the voluntary organisations within a County, particularly those involved with crime reduction and social cohesion.
  • To ensure the welfare of visiting High Court Judges, to attend on them at Court and to offer them hospitality
  • To make a meaningful contribution to the High Sheriff’s County during the year of Office and to uphold and enhance the ancient Office of High Sheriff 
  • To support the Lord-Lieutenant on royal visits and on other occasions as appropriate
  1. Appointment: High Sheriffs are appointed annually but serve in a different year from when they are nominated due to a unique system.

It is the responsibility of each High Sheriff to provide the names of people suitable to serve in the future. These names are added to the list of Sheriffs, and every November at a ceremony in the High Court the Lord Chief Justice and three other judges formally add as many new names for each county as are needed to ensure that there are Sheriffs in nomination for each of the next three years. A Sheriff needs to own property in the county for which he or she is nominated. The following March The King, at a meeting of the Privy Council, formally selects one of the three nominated Sheriffs to serve for the next twelve months by literally pricking a hole through his or her name on the List with a bodkin.

High Sheriffs – The Privy Council
  1. Title: The title is “High Sheriff”, not “Sheriff”, which distinguishes it from historical or fictional roles like the American sheriff or the ancient English sheriff with broader law enforcement powers.
  2. Symbolism: High Sheriffs have traditional symbols like the Badge of Office and might carry a ceremonial sword, which represents their historical role in maintaining law and order.

The High Sheriffs’ Association of England and Wales was founded in 1971 to represent the interests of and give assistance to High Sheriffs in England and Wales. 

The position Of High Sheriff maintains a link to the past, preserving traditions while adapting to serve modern community needs. High Sheriffs often work to enhance community cohesion and support local law enforcement and emergency services in non-executive capacities.

Check out our articles on Policing, Police News, Policing by Consent, Two Tiered Policing, Wasting Police Time, Police and Crime Commissioner, Chief Constable Jo Shiner 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 or any law enforcement agencies.


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‘Justice delayed is justice denied’

 William Ewart Gladstone

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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Law Legal Analysis

What is the 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 Family Justice Council, Rule of Law, Innocent until Proven GuiltyOpen Justice, R v Sussex Justices 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 or any law enforcement agencies.


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‘Justice delayed is justice denied’

 William Ewart Gladstone

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

Weaponization and Politicisation of 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.
Weaponization and Politicisation of Justice ?

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 GuiltyOpen 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 or any law enforcement agencies.


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‘Justice delayed is justice denied’

 William Ewart Gladstone

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Circuit Judges

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 JudgesHis Honour Judge Melbourne Inman KC, 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.

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‘Justice delayed is justice denied’

 William Ewart Gladstone

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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 JudgesHis Honour Judge Melbourne Inman KC, 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.

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‘Justice delayed is justice denied’

 William Ewart Gladstone

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

Deputy District Judge

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 ddj.christopher.mills@ejudiciary.net

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

Check out our articles on Dodgy JudgesHis Honour Judge Melbourne Inman KC, 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 or any law enforcement agencies.


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

‘Justice delayed is justice denied’

 William Ewart Gladstone

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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Her Honour Judge 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 Dominic 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 KCJustice.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 KCJudicial 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 – 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 KCBar 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 BenthamMr 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 JudgesHis 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 or any law enforcement agencies.


Most Popular

What is Policing by Consent ? What is Two Tier Policing ?

Latest Articles

All Articles can be found in the Legal Blog or Sitemap.


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

‘Justice delayed is justice denied’

 William Ewart Gladstone

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.

Equal Justice Under Law
Access To Justice Is A Right Not A Privilege
Rule of Law - Open Justice - Policing By Consent

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