UK Government To Remain Involved In The Appointment Of Judges

by Robin Pilgrim, LawAndTax-News.com, London

16 July 2003

Following the delivery of consultation papers by the UK's Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer on Monday, outlining the government's plans for the implementation of the judicial reforms announced in last month's cabinet reshuffle, it has emerged that the planned Judicial Appointments Committee will likely be a recommending body rather than a truly independent one.

In a move likely to disappoint those who were hoping for a greater separation of the state and the judiciary, the discussion papers contain recommendations for a 15 member Judicial Appointments Committee - comprised of five judges, five lawyers, and five candidates from outside the legal profession - which would draw up a short list of possible candidates. However, the appointment of judges would be the responsibility of the Secretary of State.

An independent assessor would also be appointed to oversee the JAC's decisions, the consultation papers revealed.

The abolition of the QC title appears more likely than ever, with the paper dealing with this issue arguing that: 'The indications from customers certainly suggest that the rank of QC in the legal services market does not provide a useful kitemark in practice, and that the market might work more effectively if the QC mark were removed.'

Responses to the government's reform proposals should be submitted by November 7.

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