*/
To retain public confidence judges cannot stand ‘aloof’ from society, warned the Lord Chief Justice, as he called for a ‘measured expansion of livestreaming and broadcasting’ of proceedings.
Speaking at the Commonwealth Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association annual conference in Australia, Lord Justice Burnett urged judges to engage more with the public and media. He said: ‘The judiciary invites misunderstanding or incomprehension if it stands completely apart and aloof from society.’
Support for judicial independence is ‘not immutable and cannot be taken for granted’ he said, warning of a ‘gentle erosion’ of support in some countries.
‘We have seen judges referred to as “so-called judges”. We see judges being criticised because their decisions fail to match the popular mood,’ he said, noting the newspaper ‘Enemies of the People’ headlines that followed the Brexit referendum litigation.
‘Judicial independence, like democracy and the rule of law, is dependent on the existence of strong cultural norms. The concepts need to be understood. Society, as a whole, must believe in them and they must be supported by society,’ he said.
In order to secure effective public understanding of the role of the judiciary, Lord Justice Burnett said that judges must be committed to ‘open justice’ with judgments, rulings and sentencing remarks given in open court and greater online publication of judgments and online broadcasting of hearings.
He added: ‘I look forward to a measured expansion of livestreaming and broadcasting of proceedings more widely.’
To retain public confidence judges cannot stand ‘aloof’ from society, warned the Lord Chief Justice, as he called for a ‘measured expansion of livestreaming and broadcasting’ of proceedings.
Speaking at the Commonwealth Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association annual conference in Australia, Lord Justice Burnett urged judges to engage more with the public and media. He said: ‘The judiciary invites misunderstanding or incomprehension if it stands completely apart and aloof from society.’
Support for judicial independence is ‘not immutable and cannot be taken for granted’ he said, warning of a ‘gentle erosion’ of support in some countries.
‘We have seen judges referred to as “so-called judges”. We see judges being criticised because their decisions fail to match the popular mood,’ he said, noting the newspaper ‘Enemies of the People’ headlines that followed the Brexit referendum litigation.
‘Judicial independence, like democracy and the rule of law, is dependent on the existence of strong cultural norms. The concepts need to be understood. Society, as a whole, must believe in them and they must be supported by society,’ he said.
In order to secure effective public understanding of the role of the judiciary, Lord Justice Burnett said that judges must be committed to ‘open justice’ with judgments, rulings and sentencing remarks given in open court and greater online publication of judgments and online broadcasting of hearings.
He added: ‘I look forward to a measured expansion of livestreaming and broadcasting of proceedings more widely.’
Sam Townend KC explains the Bar Council’s efforts towards ensuring a bright future for the profession
Giovanni D’Avola explores the issue of over-citation of unreported cases and the ‘added value’ elements of a law report
Louise Crush explores the key points and opportunities for tax efficiency
Westgate Wealth Management Ltd is a Partner Practice of FTSE 100 company St. James’s Place – one of the top UK Wealth Management firms. We offer a holistic service of distinct quality, integrity, and excellence with the aim to build a professional and valuable relationship with our clients, helping to provide them with security now, prosperity in the future and the highest standard of service in all of our dealings.
Is now the time to review your financial position, having reached a career milestone? asks Louise Crush
If you were to host a dinner party with 10 guests, and you asked them to explain what financial planning is and how it differs to financial advice, you’d receive 10 different answers. The variety of answers highlights the ongoing need to clarify and promote the value of financial planning.
Most of us like to think we would risk our career in order to meet our ethical obligations, so why have so many lawyers failed to hold the line? asks Flora Page
If your current practice environment is bringing you down, seek a new one. However daunting the change, it will be worth it, says Anon Barrister
Creating advocacy opportunities for juniors is now the expectation but not always easy to put into effect. Tom Mitcheson KC distils developing best practice from the Patents Court initiative already bearing fruit
Sam Townend KC explains the Bar Council’s efforts towards ensuring a bright future for the profession
The long-running fee-paid judicial pensions saga continues. The current cut-off date for giving notice of election to join FPJPS is 31 March 2024, and that date now gives rise to a serious problem, warns HH John Platt