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Family Law Legal Analysis

What is the Family Justice Council (FJC) ?

The Family Justice Council (FJC) is a non-departmental public body in the United Kingdom that plays a crucial role in improving family court outcomes.

A list of members is published on the FJC website. The Chair is Sir Andrew McFarlane, President of the Family Division.

The link to the Code of Practice for FJC Members does not work. The FJC have been emailed to obtain a copy.

The Family Justice Council will operate independently of the Family Justice Board but will, as a critical friend to the Family Justice Board; provide it with expert advice, from an inter-disciplinary perspective, on the operation and reform of the family justice system in England and Wales.

Family Justice Council Terms of Reference

I am not sure that the FJC would or should have been friends with the Sussex Family Justice Board. A highly dubious family justice cartel that operates in Sussex.

  1. Purpose and Function of the FJC:
    • The FJC’s primary mission is to promote an inter-disciplinary approach to family justice. It recognizes that family law involves various aspects, including legal, social, and emotional considerations.
    • It monitors the family justice system across the UK, keeping a close eye on its functioning, challenges, and areas for improvement.
    • By advising on reforms and providing guidance, the FJC aims to enhance the overall experience for families navigating the court system.
  2. Composition and Influence:
    • The FJC benefits from input from 30 locally based Family Justice Committees (FJCs) spread throughout the country. These committees provide valuable insights and perspectives from diverse regions.
    • As an advisory body, the FJC collaborates with the Ministry of Justice to ensure that family justice policies and practices align with the best interests of families.
    • It also contributes to the work of the Family Justice Board and the Single Family Court, fostering cooperation and coherence within the family justice system.
  3. Areas of Focus:
    • The FJC addresses a wide range of issues, including child custody, divorce, adoption, and domestic violence. Its recommendations aim to streamline processes, improve access to justice, and safeguard the well-being of families.
    • It actively engages with legal professionals, social workers, psychologists, and other experts to create a holistic understanding of family law challenges.
    • Through its policy papers and consultations, the FJC advocates for evidence-based reforms that benefit families and promote fairness.
  4. Website:
    • The FJC maintains a dedicated website where it shares news, policy updates, and consultation outcomes. This platform serves as a valuable resource for legal practitioners, researchers, and the public.
    • Whether it’s addressing expert evidence quality or exploring innovative approaches, the FJC’s work is transparently documented on its website.

Family Justice Council minutes of meetings are also published on their website.

The Family Justice Council will hold its tenth Open Meeting on Monday 22 July 2024 from 11.00am until 1.30pm.  The meeting will be held remotely via MS Teams.

The open meeting provides an opportunity for members of the public to see first-hand the Council at work. Guests will be able to observe the meeting, which will conclude with a question-and-answer session. All questions will need to be submitted to the Council in advance.

To register to attend the meeting and to submit a question to the Council, please complete the following form: FJC Open Meeting Registration form

Family Justice Council Latest News

The Family Justice Council can be contacted :

Family Justice Council
WG26
Royal Courts of Justice
Strand
London
WC2A 2LL

Email: The Family Justice Council Secretariat ([email protected])

Check out our related articles on Civil 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, police or any other law enforcement agencies.


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