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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.

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[post_title] was last updated on the 23rd June 2026

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