IF THE WORST WERE TO HAPPEN

This, I think, is the longest post I have ever written inclusive of copied files.  If JP readers are unfamiliar with the content I think they should change that situation so that in the unlikely event of their being the subject of a complaint they might be aware of what awaits them. 

Most magistrates have had no reason to familiarise themselves with The Judicial Conduct (Magistrates) Rules.  For convenience I have copied at the end of this post the original pdf (uncopyable direct) in the best form my limited IT skills allow.  There might have been an update but the version below is still 99% in operation.  Like many organisations a reading will show that the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office does not believe that less is more.   On the surface one would think at least initially that each and every contingency is accounted for but one would be missing the trees in the forest; the hoops that must be jumped through are a formidable obstacle to any poor sucker of a JP who falls foul of this star chamber.  Contrition, contrition, contrition; this seems to be the emotion expressly required for any form of redemption to be allowed the miscreant whose magisterial career unfortunately rests in the hands of the JCIO.  Even the chief magistrate a District Judge (MC) fell foul of its tentacles. Some other magistrates have also been subject to its interpretation of what language or terms are unacceptable in this age of woke. We will never know whether or not redemption was obtained by the heretic`s renouncement of his/her sins or indeed whether or not there was honesty in said heretics` regret at following false idols in language if not in deed. 

This Office is in reality a group of people; civil servants within the Ministry of Justice tasked with acting as police officer, judge and jury.  No doubt there are those rightfully "convicted" but we, the public, will never know the wheat from the chaff. Below the organisational chart with the named occupants of positions in the JCIO is the "bible" of prosecution. 

The Judicial Conduct (Magistrates) Rules 2014 

Coming into force --18th August 2014 

CONTENTS 

PART 1 

General 

1. Citation and commencement 

2. Interpretation 

3. Judicial office holders to whom these Rules apply 

4.–8. Chairman of an Advisory Committee 

9.–14. Making a complaint about judicial misconduct 

15.–17. Time limits within which a complaint must be made 

18.–21. Extension of time limits 

22. Measurement of time for doing an act 

PART 2 

Assessment of complaint 

23. Scope 

24.–30. Consideration of complaint 

31. Options when considering a complaint 

32. Dismissal of complaint 

33.–35. Dismissal procedure 

36.–37. Referral to a conduct panel 

38.–40. Procedure to be followed before a referral is made to a conduct panel 

41. Interim suspension 

42. Scope 

43. Summary process 

44.–46. Procedure 

47.–48. Report 

49.–51. Reporting procedure 

52. Scope 

PART 3 

Summary Process 

PART 4 

Conduct Panel 

53. Composition of a conduct panel 

54.–57. The role of the Advisory Committee Secretary 

58.–66. Procedure 

67.–78. Hearings 



79.–81. Conduct panel report 

82.–94. Reporting procedure 

PART 5 

The role of the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office 

95. Scope 

96.–97. The role of the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office 

98.–102. Referral to an investigating judge 

103. Referral to a disciplinary panel 

104.–105. Referral to the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice 

PART 6 

Judicial Investigation 

106. Scope 

107. Nomination of investigating judge 

108.–115. Investigation by an Investigating Judge 

116.–121. Report of investigating judge 

PART 7 

Disciplinary panel 

122. Scope 

123. Disciplinary panel 

124.–126. Functions of a disciplinary panel 

127.–129. Procedure of disciplinary panel 

130. Report and recommendation 

131.–137. Report procedure 

PART 8 

Miscellaneous 

138.–140. Re-opening a case that has been dismissed 

141.–142. Procedure to be followed when re-opening a case 

143.. Consideration of matter in absence of a complaint 

144.-147 Withdrawal of a complaint 

148.–149. Deferral of consideration of a case 

150. Transitional provision 

151. Revocation 

The Lord Chief Justice, in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 115 and 117 of the 

Constitutional Reform Act 2005, and regulation 7 of the Judicial Discipline (Prescribed 

Procedures) Regulations 2014 and with the agreement of the Lord Chancellor makes the following 

Rules: 

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PART 1 

General 

Citation and commencement 

1. These Rules may be cited as the Judicial Conduct (Magistrates) Rules 2014 and come into 

force on 18th August 2014. 

Interpretation 

2.—(1) In these Rules— 

“the Act” means the Constitutional Reform Act 2005; 

“Advisory Committee” means one of the Lord Chancellor’s Advisory Committees on justices 

of the peace; 

“bank holiday” means a bank holiday under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 in 

England and Wales; 

“business day” means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday, Christmas Day, Good Friday 

or a day which is a bank holiday in England and Wales; 

“case” means a complaint or issue of misconduct being considered under these Rules; 

“Chairman of an Advisory Committee” has the meaning given in rule 4 and rule 7; 

“complaint” means a complaint containing an allegation of misconduct by a magistrate; 

“designated member of an Advisory Committee” means a member of an Advisory Committee 

who has been designated by a Chairman of an Advisory Committee under rule 5; 

“disciplinary action” means— 

(a) the exercise by the Lord Chancellor of the Lord Chancellor’ power to remove a 

magistrate from office under section 11 Courts Act 2003; or 

(b) the exercise by the Lord Chief Justice of the Lord Chief Justice’ powers under section 

108(3), (4)(b) and (c) and (5) of the Act; 

“disciplinary panel” has the meaning given by regulation 11 of the Regulations; 

“investigating judge” has the meaning given by regulation 10 of the Regulations; 

“licensing body” means any body that licenses or regulates any profession; 

“magistrate” means a justice of the peace who is not a District Judge (Magistrates’ Courts); 

“magistrate concerned” means the magistrate whose conduct is being considered in 

accordance with these Rules; 

“nominated judge” has the meaning given by regulation 9 of the Regulations; 

“Regulations” means the Judicial Discipline (Prescribed Procedures) Regulations 2014; 

“TDC” means a Training and Development Committee. 

Judicial office holders to whom these Rules apply 

3. These Rules apply to magistrates (including those on the supplemental list). 

Chairman of an Advisory Committee 

4. The Chairman of the Advisory Committee is the Chairman of the Advisory Committee for the 

local justice area to which the magistrate concerned is assigned under section 10(2) of the Courts 

Act 2003. 

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5. Subject to rule 6, the Chairman of the Advisory Committee may designate another member of 

that Advisory Committee to act on their behalf in relation to— 

(a) a specific complaint; 

(b) all complaints; or 

(c) a category of complaints. 

6. A designated member of an Advisory Committee may not deal with a complaint about 

himself or herself. 

7. Notwithstanding rule 4, the Chairman of an Advisory Committee may also ask another 

Advisory Committee to deal with a specific complaint when there is a good reason to do so. In 

such circumstances, references in these Rules to the Chairman of the Advisory Committee are to 

the Chairman of the Advisory Committee to which a complaint has been transferred. 

8. Notwithstanding any designation under rule 5, the Chairman of an Advisory Committee may 

decide to deal personally with a specific complaint. 

Making a complaint about judicial misconduct 

9. A complaint must be made to the local Advisory Committee or its Secretary. 

10. A complaint must contain an allegation of misconduct. 

11. A complaint must be made in a complaint document unless the Chairman of the Advisory 

Committee agrees to accept a complaint in another form. 

12. A “complaint document” is a document in writing which— 

(a) is legible; 

(b) contains an allegation of misconduct on the part of a named or identifiable magistrate; 

(c) states the date, or dates, the alleged misconduct took place; and 

(d) states the name and address of the person who is making the complaint. 

13. A complaint document is to be accompanied by the originals or copies of all the documents 

within the control of the complainant to which he or she intends to refer. 

14. The Advisory Committee or its Secretary must not accept a complaint in any case where the 

complainant states that they do not want the magistrate concerned to see a copy of the complaint 

document or of any document accompanying it. 

Time limits within which a complaint must be made 

15. A complaint must be made within three months of the latest event or matter complained of. 

16. Subject to rule 18 (extension of time limits), the Advisory Committee or its Secretary must 

not accept a complaint if the complaint is made outside the time limit in rule 15. 

17. The complainant must be informed— 

(a) that their complaint has not been accepted because it is out of time; and 

(b) that they may make representations within ten business days of the notification that their 

complaint is out of time to the Advisory Committee for an extension of the time limit. 

Extension of time limits 

18. The Chairman to the Advisory Committee may extend the time limit for making a complaint 

only in exceptional circumstances. 

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19. The fact that a complaint may contain an allegation of misconduct will not, by itself, be 

sufficient reason for the Chairman to the Advisory Committee to accept a complaint outside the 

three month time limit. 

20. The Chairman to the Advisory Committee may extend or shorten any other time limit under 

these Rules, whether or not the time limit has expired, where there is good reason to do so. 

21. Where the Chairman to the Advisory Committee has extended a time limit, it must— 

(a) inform the complainant and, if they are aware of the complaint, the magistrate concerned; 

and 

(b) keep a record of the reasons for the extension. 

Measurement of time for doing an act 

22. In these Rules the time for doing any act in response to a notification, invitation or request 

(“the document”) starts on the day that corresponds to the method of delivery used in relation to 

the notification, invitation or request shown in the table below-

Method of delivery Starting day 

First class post (or other method which 

provides for delivery on the next business day). 

The second business day after the day on which 

the document was posted. 

Second class post. The third business day after the day on which 

the document was posted. 

Delivering the document to or leaving it at a 

permitted address. 

If it is delivered to or left at the permitted 

address on a business day before 4.30pm, that 

day; or if delivered at, or after, 4.30pm, the next 

business day. 

Fax. If the transmission of the fax is completed on a 

business day before 4.30pm, that day; or if 

transmitted at, or after 4.30pm, the next 

business day. 

Other electronic method. If an e-mail or other electronic transmission is 

sent on a business day before 4.30pm, that day; 

or if an e-mail or other electronic transmission 

is sent at, or after, 4.30p, the next business day. 

PART 2 

Assessment of complaint 

Scope 

23. This Part applies where— 

(a) a complaint is made to an Advisory Committee or its Secretary under rule 9; 

(b) the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice refer a complaint to an Advisory 

Committee in accordance with regulation 13 of the Regulations; 

(c) no formal complaint has been made but the Chairman of an Advisory Committee decides 

to deal with a case under rule 146 (consideration of matter in absence of a complaint); or 

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(d) the Ombudsman refers a case to an Advisory Committee to investigate under section 

111(7)(b) of the Act. 

Consideration of complaint 

24. The Chairman of the Advisory Committee must initially consider whether an allegation of 

misconduct has been made by a complainant. 

25. If not, they may refer the matter to the Bench Chairman to deal with as a pastoral or training 

matter. 

26. Otherwise, the Chairman of the Advisory Committee must— 

(a) decide what action to take under rule 31; or 

(b) refer the complaint to the Advisory Committee to decide what action to take under rule 

31. 

27. For the purposes of deciding what action to take the Chairman of the Advisory Committee or 

the Advisory Committee may— 

(a) make such inquiries as they consider appropriate; or 

(b) request any documents which appear to be relevant to the complaint. 

28. The Advisory Committee Secretary must— 

(a) where no referral is made under rule 25 to the Bench Chairman, inform the complainant 

whether their complaint is being considered by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee 

or the Advisory Committee; or 

(b) where a referral is made under rule 25 to the Bench Chairman, inform the complainant 

that their complaint is being dealt with as a pastoral or training matter by the Bench 

Chairman. 

29. Where the magistrate concerned has been informed of the complaint, the Advisory 

Committee Secretary must send a copy of the complaint and any supporting documentation to the 

Bench Chairman. 

30. Where the Advisory Committee considers the complaint, it must do so in consultation with 

the Advisory Committee Secretary. 

Options when considering a complaint 

31. The Chairman of the Advisory Committee or the Advisory Committee may— 

(a) dismiss the complaint in accordance with rule 32; 

(b) refer the complaint to a conduct panel in accordance with rule 36; 

(c) deal with the complaint in accordance with the summary process in Part 3 of these Rules; 

or 

(d) where there has been no misconduct, refer the matter to the Bench Chairman to deal with 

as a pastoral or training matter. 

Dismissal of complaint 

32.The Chairman of the Advisory Committee or the Advisory Committee must dismiss a 

complaint, or part of a complaint, if it falls into any of the following categories— 

(a) it does not adequately particularise the matter complained of; 

(b) it is about a judicial decision or judicial case management, and raises no question of 

misconduct; 

(c) the action complained of was not done or caused to be done by a magistrate; 

(d) it is vexatious; 

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(e) it is without substance; 

(f) even if true, it would not require any disciplinary action to be taken; 

(g) it is untrue, mistaken or misconceived; 

(h) it raises a matter which has already been dealt with, whether under these Rules or 

otherwise, and does not present any material new evidence; 

(i) it is about a person who is no longer a magistrate; 

(j) it is about the private life of a magistrate and could not reasonably be considered to affect 

their suitability to hold their judicial office; 

(k) it is about the professional conduct in a non-judicial capacity of a magistrate and could 

not reasonably be considered to affect their suitability to hold judicial office; 

(l) for any other reason it does not relate to misconduct by a magistrate. 

Dismissal procedure 

33. The Chairman of an Advisory Committee or an Advisory Committee may not dismiss a 

complaint under rule 32(a) unless the complainant has been given a reasonable opportunity to 

provide adequate details of the complaint. A complainant must provide any further details within 

15 business days of the request for further details. 

34.Where an account of facts given by a complainant differs from an account given by the 

magistrate concerned, the Chairman of the Advisory Committee or the Advisory Committee must 

consider any source of independent evidence which exists and which may help to verify the facts 

in dispute before it dismisses the complaint, unless to do so would be disproportionate in all the 

circumstances. 

35. Where the Chairman of the Advisory Committee or the Advisory Committee dismisses a 

complaint under rule 32, they must inform— 

(a) the complainant of the dismissal and the reasons for it; and 

(b) if they are aware of the complaint, the magistrate concerned. 

Referral to a conduct panel 

36. The Chairman of the Advisory Committee or the Advisory Committee may refer a complaint 

to a conduct panel where— 

(a) the magistrate concerned accepts the misconduct alleged; or 

(b) the Chairman of the Advisory Committee or the Advisory Committee consider that it is 

appropriate to investigate the complaint further. 

37. Where a complaint has been referred to a conduct panel it must be dealt with in accordance 

with Part 4 of these Rules. 

Procedure to be followed before a referral is made to a conduct panel 

38. Before a referral can be made to a conduct panel, the Chairman of the Advisory Committee 

or the Advisory Committee must— 

(a) provide the magistrate concerned with— 

(i) details of the complaint; 

(ii) any supporting documents; and 

(iii) any information obtained by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee or the 

Advisory Committee when considering the complaint under this Part of the Rules; 

(b) invite the magistrate concerned to comment upon the complaint within 20 business days 

of the invitation to do so; and 

(c) consider any comments received from the magistrate concerned. 

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39. The Chairman of the Advisory Committee or the Advisory Committee can continue to refer 

the complaint to the conduct panel only if— 

(a) the magistrate concerned has provided comments within the time provided; or 

(b) the time has elapsed for providing comments and the magistrate concerned has not 

responded. 

40. The Chairman of the Advisory Committee or the Advisory Committee must provide to the 

Bench Chairman a copy of the invitation made under rule 38(b) seeking comments from the 

magistrate concerned. 

Interim suspension 

41. Regulation 17 of the Regulations governs the procedure relating to the possible interim 

suspension of a Magistrate. 

PART 3 

Summary Process 

Scope 

42. This Part applies where the Chairman of the Advisory Committee or the Advisory 

Committee has decided under rule 31(c) to deal with a complaint in accordance with the summary 

process. 

Summary process 

43. The Chairman of the Advisory Committee or the Advisory Committee may advise the Lord 

Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice that the magistrate concerned should be removed from 

office without further investigation where the magistrate concerned — 

(a) has been convicted in the United Kingdom of any criminal offence and has been 

sentenced to imprisonment, including a suspended sentence, as defined in section 

189(7)(b) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003; 

(b) has been convicted elsewhere of any criminal offence which, if committed in any part of 

the United Kingdom would constitute a criminal offence, and has been sentenced to 

imprisonment, including a suspended sentence; 

(c) has been committed to prison for contempt of court (including a suspended committal 

order); 

(d) has been convicted in the United Kingdom of an offence involving dishonesty, deception, 

theft or perverting the course of justice; 

(e) has been convicted in the United Kingdom of a sexual offence or violent offence; 

(f) has been cautioned in relation to a criminal offence falling within sub-paragraphs (d) and 

(e)of this paragraph; 

(g) is an undischarged bankrupt or a person whose estate has had a sequestration awarded in 

respect of it and who has not been discharged; 

(h) is the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order or an interim bankruptcy restrictions order 

or an order of like effect made in Scotland or Northern Ireland; 

(i) has made a composition or arrangement with, or granted a trust deed for, creditors and not 

been discharged in respect of it; 

(j) is subject to— 

(i) a disqualification order or disqualification undertaking under the Company Directors 

Disqualification Act 1986; 

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(ii) a disqualification order or disqualification undertaking under the Company Directors 

Disqualification (Northern Ireland) Order 2002; or 

(iii) an order made under section 429(2) of the Insolvency Act 1986 (disabilities on 

revocation or administration order against an individual); 

(k) has failed to disclose information concerning their suitability to hold judicial office to— 

(i) an Advisory Committee; or 

(ii) the person who made their appointment, 

which they knew about before their appointment as a magistrate; 

(l) has at any time been subject to any investigation or proceedings concerning their fitness 

to practise by any licensing body, the final outcome of which was— 

(i) the suspension of the magistrate concerned from a register held by the licensing 

body, and that suspension has not been terminated, 

(ii) the erasure of the name of the magistrate concerned from a register held by the 

licensing body, 

(iii) a decision that had the effect of preventing the magistrate concerned from practising 

the profession licensed or regulated by the licensing body, or 

(iv) a decision that had the effect of only allowing the magistrate concerned to practise 

that profession subject to conditions, and those conditions have not been lifted; 

(m) has been removed from another judicial office in accordance with prescribed procedures; 

(n) has failed to comply without reasonable excuse with any sitting requirement specified by 

the Lord Chancellor; 

(o) is subject to any form of restriction or restraint in bringing proceedings before a court or a 

tribunal in any part of the United Kingdom. 

Procedure 

44. Before advice may be given under rule 43, the Chairman of the Advisory Committee or the 

Advisory Committee must give the magistrate concerned an opportunity to make representations 

as to— 

(a) whether the alleged ground took place; and 

(b) if so, why they should not be removed from their office. 

45. The magistrate concerned must provide the representations referred to in rule 44 within 15 

business days of the request for them. 

46. The Chairman of the Advisory Committee or the Advisory Committee can continue to 

provide advice under rule 43 only if— 

(a) the magistrate concerned has provided representations within the time allowed; or 

(b) the time allowed for providing representations has elapsed and the magistrate concerned 

has not provided any representations. 

Report 

47. The Chairman of the Advisory Committee or the Advisory Committee must prepare a report 

if they intend to advise the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice under rule 43. 

48. The report must state— 

(a) that one or more of the grounds in rule 43 applies and why; and 

(b) any representations provided by the magistrate concerned under rule 45. 

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Reporting procedure 

49. Rule 50 applies where a report is prepared by a member of the Advisory Committee who has 

been designated by the Chairman of an Advisory Committee under rule 5. 

50. The designated member of the Advisory Committee must submit a draft of their report to the 

Chairman of the Advisory Committee. The Chairman of the Advisory Committee must consider 

whether to change the report and communicate any changes to the designated member. The 

designated member must accept those changes and produce a final report. 

51.The Chairman of the Advisory Committee or the Advisory Committee must provide the 

report to— 

(a) the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice; 

(b) the magistrate concerned. 

PART 4 

Conduct Panel 

Scope 

52. This Part applies where— 

(a) the Chairman of an Advisory Committee or an Advisory Committee refers a complaint to 

a conduct panel under rule 36; or 

(b) the Ombudsman refers a case to a conduct panel under section 111(7)(b) of the Act. 

Composition of a conduct panel 

53. An Advisory Committee conduct panel must be comprised of three members drawn from the 

Advisory Committee or another Advisory Committee. If this is not possible members may be 

drawn from a Sub-Committee of the Advisory Committee. 

The role of the Advisory Committee Secretary 

54. The Advisory Committee Secretary (or a nominee) will normally provide administrative 

support to a conduct panel. The Advisory Committee Secretary may not be a member of the panel 

and, whilst they may advise the panel on the application of these Rules and on the principles of 

natural justice, the Advisory Committee Secretary may not take part in a panel’s deliberations on 

the merits of the case. The panel must retain a note of any advice which the Secretary has 

provided. 

55. The Advisory Committee Secretary may assist with the drafting of any report, reasons and 

recommendations. 

56. The Advisory Committee Secretary must keep the complainant and the Bench Chairman 

notified of the progress of the complaint. In particular, the Advisory Committee Secretary must 

inform the complainant and the Bench Chairman of decisions made in relation to a complaint as 

they occur, and in any event, provide updates at regular intervals. 

57. The Advisory Committee Secretary must write to the magistrate concerned on behalf of the 

Chairman of the Advisory Committee inviting the magistrate concerned to attend a conduct 

hearing. The letter must: 

(a) set out all of the issues under consideration; 

(b) inform the magistrate concerned of their right to be accompanied at the hearing; 

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(c) request their written representations on any records on their file relating to previous 

conduct matters which may be taken into account by the conduct panel if the complaint is 

substantiated; 

(d) where the conduct panel is investigating the complaint further— 

(i) ask for details of any third party whom the magistrate concerned wishes to provide 

evidence on their behalf; and 

(ii) invite the magistrate concerned to submit statements from anyone able to provide 

evidence on their behalf; and 

(e) where the magistrate concerned accepts the misconduct alleged— 

(i) advise the magistrate concerned that a conduct panel will be convened to make 

recommendations to the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice on the admitted 

facts of the complaint; and 

(ii) inform the magistrate concerned of their right to make written or oral representations 

to the panel before they make their recommendations. 

Procedure 

58. The conduct panel may— 

(a) make such inquiries that it considers are appropriate to fulfil its functions; 

(b) request any documents which appear to be relevant to the complaint. 

59. But any records on the files of the magistrate concerned must not be shown to the conduct 

panel unless the panel decide that the complaint is substantiated. 

60. Unless rule 61 applies, a conduct panel must take oral evidence from the magistrate 

concerned. The hearing must be conducted in accordance with rules 67 to 78. 

61. Where the magistrate concerned fails, without good reason, either to agree a hearing date or 

to attend a conduct panel hearing which has been arranged, the conduct panel must consider the 

case on the papers along with any evidence provided under rule 76. 

62. A record must be made of the conduct panel’s reasons for proceeding in the absence of the 

magistrate concerned. 

63. A conduct panel may take evidence, including oral evidence, from any other person. 

64. Any evidence obtained under rule 63 must be disclosed to the magistrate concerned. A 

hearing under rules 67 to 78 may only proceed where the magistrate concerned has been given a 

reasonable opportunity to consider such evidence. 

65. If the magistrate concerned requires more time to consider evidence disclosed to them under 

rule 66 before a hearing then the hearing must be adjourned. 

66. The panel must consider, in consultation with the Bench Chairman and the Justices’ Clerk, 

whether it is appropriate for the magistrate concerned to abstain from duties where they have 

failed to provide written comments, agree a hearing date or attend a conduct hearing. 

Hearings 

67. Each member of the conduct panel must be in possession of a copy of the complaint, the 

response (if any) from the magistrate concerned and any other written evidence. 

68. Subject to rule 76, the conduct panel must not have seen, heard or be in possession of 

evidence that has not been disclosed to the magistrate concerned. 

69. The Advisory Committee Secretary must arrange for a full and accurate note of the 

proceedings to be taken. 

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70. The substantive part of the hearing must begin with the magistrate concerned being asked 

whether they agree wholly or in part with the facts as set out in the papers. 

71. The facts must be checked chronologically, if possible, separating those which are agreed 

from those which are disputed, and following up the latter with appropriate questions. 

72. The magistrate concerned must be invited to answer any questions raised. 

73. Follow up questions may be asked when the magistrate concerned has responded to the 

initial questions. 

74. Subject to rule 75, any person providing evidence to the panel must attend only for the 

purposes of giving evidence and must not be present during any other part of the proceedings. 

They may be accompanied, while giving evidence, but unless there are wholly exceptional 

circumstances, they must speak for themselves. 

75. The magistrate concerned must be given the opportunity to hear any evidence given to the 

conduct panel and be invited to comment on that evidence after a person giving such evidence has 

finished and in their presence. 

76. But where the magistrate concerned has been informed that a witness will be asked to attend 

a conduct panel hearing to provide evidence and the magistrate concerned does not attend the 

hearing, the conduct panel may hear from that witness in the absence of the magistrate. 

77. The conduct panel Chairman may wish to follow-up any issues which require clarification. 

78. When this process has finished, the magistrate concerned must be asked if there is anything 

in conclusion which they wish to say to the panel. 

Conduct panel report 

79. The conduct panel must prepare its report setting out: 

(a) the details of the complaint; 

(b) a summary of the evidence presented; 

(c) findings of fact made by the conduct panel; 

(d) a full explanation of the panel’s reasoning; and 

(e) a clear statement of its recommendations. 

80. The conduct panel must complete its report within ten business days of the hearing. 

81. If the conduct panel concludes that there has been misconduct— 

(a) the Advisory Committee Secretary must put before the conduct panel any relevant 

records relating to other conduct matters brought to the magistrate’s attention in the past, 

together with any written representations made by the magistrate about the accuracy of 

the record; and 

(b) the panel must then move on to consider what advice it will offer to the Lord Chancellor 

and the Lord Chief Justice on whether disciplinary action should be taken, and if so what. 

Reporting procedure 

82. Rules 83 to 86 apply where the conduct panel recommends that disciplinary action should be 

taken. 

83. The conduct panel must send a copy of its report and note of the hearing to the magistrate 

concerned and invite the magistrate concerned to make representations upon the report. 

84.When sending the report to the magistrate concerned and where the report recommends 

removal or suspension from office, the relevant Advisory Committee must ask the magistrate 

concerned if they want the matter referred to a disciplinary panel to consider. 

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85. The magistrate concerned may within 15 business days of receipt of the report— 

(a) provide comments on the report to the relevant Advisory Committee; 

(b) make representations to the relevant Advisory Committee regarding the need for further 

investigation into the matter; 

(c) where the report recommends removal or suspension from office, state whether they want 

a disciplinary panel to consider the complaint. 

86.—(1) The Advisory Committee must inform the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office of 

any request from the magistrate concerned to have their matter referred to a disciplinary panel. 

(2) The conduct panel must send a copy of the report to the Judicial Conduct Investigations 

Office and to the Chairman of the Advisory Committee together with a copy of— 

(a) the complaint; 

(b) the representations (if any) from the magistrate concerned; 

(c) any other written evidence considered by the panel; and 

(d) a full and accurate note of the hearing. 

87. The Bench Chairman, the Justices’ Clerk and the complainant must be informed that the 

panel’s report has been sent to the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office. 

88. Where the conduct panel decides to dismiss a complaint, the conduct panel must send a draft 

of its report to the Chairman of the Advisory Committee together with— 

(a) the complaint; 

(b) any other written evidence considered by the panel; and 

(c) a full and accurate note of the hearing. 

89. If the Chairman of the Advisory Committee makes a proposal that the conduct panel’s report 

should be changed, the conduct panel must consider whether or not to change it to give effect to 

that proposal. 

90. If the Chairman of the Advisory Committee agrees that the complaint should be dismissed, 

the conduct panel must— 

(a) inform the Bench Chairman of its decision; 

(b) send a copy of its report to the magistrate concerned; and 

(c) inform the complainant of its decision. 

91. If the complaint raises any pastoral or training issues, the conduct panel must always 

consider whether to refer those issues to the Bench Chairman and/or the Chairman of the TDC as 

appropriate. 

92. When considering whether a complaint raises pastoral or training issues, the conduct panel 

may seek advice from the Judicial College. 

93. The Justices’ Clerk must be consulted and kept informed of any referral under rule 91. 

94. Any correspondence with the Bench Chairman or the TDC Chairman must be copied to the 

magistrate concerned. 

PART 5 

The role of the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office 

Scope 

95. This Part applies where a conduct panel has sent its report to the Judicial Conduct 

Investigations Office in accordance with rule 86. 

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The role of the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office 

96. On receipt of the report from the conduct panel the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office 

must examine the papers to ensure that— 

(a) all the information necessary for the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice to make 

a decision has been obtained; and 

(b) the procedure set out in these Rules and in the Regulations has been followed. 

97. Where procedures have not been followed, the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office may 

remit the case back to the Advisory Committee Secretary with advice as to further action. 

Referral to an investigating judge 

98. Where the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office considers that a complaint is sufficiently 

serious or complex, or that a more detailed investigation is required to establish the facts of a 

complaint, the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office may request that a complaint is referred to 

an investigating judge to investigate in accordance with Part 6. 

99. A request under rule 98 must be considered by a nominated judge. 

100. If a nominated judge agrees to the request, then the complaint must be referred to an 

investigating judge to consider in accordance with Part 6. 

101. If a nominated judge disagrees with the request, then the Judicial Conduct Investigations 

Office must— 

(a) refer the case back to the Advisory Committee Secretary in accordance with rule 97; 

(b) refer the case to a disciplinary panel in accordance with rules 103 to 105; or 

(c) provide the conduct panel report to the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice in 

accordance with rule 106. 

102. Where a complaint is referred to an investigating judge, the Judicial Conduct Investigations 

Office must— 

(a) inform the magistrate concerned and the complainant that the complaint has been referred 

to an investigating judge; 

(b) provide the report of the conduct panel together with any representations received from 

the magistrate concerned under rule 85 to the investigating judge. 

Referral to a disciplinary panel 

103.Where the magistrate has requested that their case be referred to a disciplinary panel to, 

consider, the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office must— 

(a) refer the complaint to a disciplinary panel to consider in accordance with Part 7 of these 

Rules; 

(b) send the report of the conduct panel to the disciplinary panel together with any 

representations received from the magistrate concerned under rule 85; and 

(c) inform the magistrate concerned and the complainant that the complaint has been referred 

to a disciplinary panel. 

Referral to the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice 

104. Where the circumstances in rule 105 apply, the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office must 

send the conduct panel report and any representations received from the magistrate concerned 

under rule 86 to the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice. 

105. The circumstances referred to in rule 104 are— 

(a) where— 

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(i) the report of the conduct panel recommends that some disciplinary action, other than 

removal or suspension, should be taken; or 

(ii) the report of the conduct panel recommends that the magistrate concerned should be 

removed or suspended from office and the magistrate concerned has not confirmed 

that they want a disciplinary panel to consider the complaint under rule 103; and 

(b) no referral has been made to an investigating judge under rule 100. 

PART 6 

Judicial Investigation 

Scope 

106. This Part applies where a referral is made to an investigating judge— 

(a) by the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office under rule 100; or 

(b) by the Lord Chief Justice and Lord Chancellor under regulation 13 of the Regulations; or 

(c) by the Ombudsman under section 111(7)(b) of the Act. 

Nomination of investigating judge 

107. The investigating judge must be nominated in accordance with regulation 10 of the 

Regulations. 

Investigation by an investigating judge 

108. The investigating judge must— 

(a) determine the facts of a case; 

(b) determine whether in the facts amount to misconduct; and 

(c) advise as to whether disciplinary action should be taken and if so what. 

109. Any question as to whether a fact is established must be decided on the balance of 

probabilities. 

110. The investigating judge must— 

(a) decide how to conduct the investigation; 

(b) notify the magistrate concerned and any complainant of the proposals for the conduct of 

the investigation, and whether oral evidence will be taken; 

(c) invite the magistrate concerned to give evidence and make representations about the 

procedure adopted; and 

(d) record any representations on the proposals that are received. 

111. The investigating judge may invite the complainant or any person who may be able to 

assist the investigation to give evidence about the case. 

112. Any evidence or representations from the complainant, the magistrate concerned or any 

other person must be provided to the investigating judge within ten business days of an invitation 

under rules 110(c) or 111. 

113. The investigating judge may take oral evidence if it is considered necessary to do so. 

114. The investigating judge must disclose any evidence obtained under rule 111 to the 

magistrate concerned and must invite the magistrate concerned to make representations about the 

evidence. 

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115. The magistrate concerned must make any representations under rule 114 within ten 

business days of the invitation under that rule. 

Report of investigating judge 

116. The investigating judge may decide the form of their report. 

117. The investigating judge must disclose a draft of their report to the magistrate concerned and 

invite the magistrate concerned to comment on it. The comments may include proposals for 

changes to the report. 

118. The investigating judge may show a draft of their report to any other person, and invite 

them to comment upon it. 

119. Disclosure of the draft report under rule 118— 

(a) may be of the whole or part, 

(b) may be in the form of a summary, and 

(c) must omit any information the disclosure of which is prohibited under section 139 of the 

Act (confidentiality). 

120. Any comments must be provided to the investigating judge within ten business days of 

disclosure of the draft report under rules 117 and 118. 

121. After considering any comments received in accordance with rules 117 and 118 the 

investigating judge must— 

(a) complete their report and submit it to the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice with 

details of any requested changes which the investigating judge has not made. 

(b) send a copy of their report to the magistrate concerned; and 

(c) send a copy of their report or the relevant part of it to any other person who has been 

invited to comment upon it, but omitting any material the disclosure of which is 

prohibited under section 139 of the Act (confidentiality). 

PART 7 

Disciplinary panel 

Scope 

122. This Part applies where— 

(a) the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office refers a complaint to a disciplinary panel under 

rule 103; 

(b) the Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice have referred a complaint to a disciplinary 

panel under regulation 13 of the Regulations; 

(c) the Ombudsman refers a case to a disciplinary panel to investigate under section 

111(7)(b) of the Act; or 

(d) a referral is made under rule 140(b)(ii). 

Disciplinary panel 

123. The disciplinary panel must be convened in accordance with regulation 11 of the 

Regulations. 

Functions of a disciplinary panel 

124. A disciplinary panel may consider and review— 

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(a) any findings of fact; 

(b) any finding as to the conduct of the magistrate concerned; and 

(c) any proposed disciplinary action. 

125. Where a disciplinary panel reviews any findings of fact under rule 124(a), any question as 

to whether that fact is established must be decided on the balance of probabilities. 

126. Where a conduct panel has recommended that the magistrate concerned should be removed 

or suspended from their office, the disciplinary panel must advise the Lord Chancellor and the 

Lord Chief Justice whether removal or suspension is justified. 

Procedure of disciplinary panel 

127. The disciplinary panel may— 

(a) make such inquiries as it considers are appropriate to fulfil its functions; 

(b) request any documents which appear to be relevant to the complaint. 

128. A disciplinary panel must take oral evidence from the magistrate concerned unless it 

considers it unnecessary to do so. 

129. A disciplinary panel may take evidence, including oral evidence, from any other person. 

Report and recommendation 

130. The disciplinary panel must prepare a report that sets out— 

(a) the facts of the case; 

(b) whether in its opinion there has been any misconduct; and 

(c) whether disciplinary action should be taken and if so what. 

Report procedure 

131. The disciplinary panel must send its draft report to the magistrate concerned. 

132. The disciplinary panel may disclose its draft report to the complainant and any other person 

who may be affected by its contents. 

133. Disclosure of the report under rule 132— 

(a) may be of the whole or part; 

(b) may be in the form of a summary; 

(c) must omit any information the disclosure of which is prohibited under section 136 of the 

Act (confidentiality). 

134. The disciplinary panel must invite each person to whom it discloses its report to comment 

on it. 

135. Any comments on the report must be made within ten business days of the day on which 

the report is sent out for comment. 

136. In finalising its report the disciplinary panel— 

(a) must have regard to any comments received under rule 134; 

(b) must include those comments with its report. 

137. The disciplinary panel must send its report to the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief 

Justice. 

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PART 8 

Miscellaneous 

Re-opening a case that has been dismissed 

138. Exceptionally, a Chairman of an Advisory Committee may re-open a complaint that has 

been dismissed where they receive new information concerning that complaint. 

139. For these purposes, new information means information which— 

(a) relates to judicial misconduct; 

(b) is cogent and credible; 

(c) has not already been considered under these Rules; and 

(d) is sufficiently serious to justify re-opening a complaint. 

140. If a Chairman of an Advisory Committee decides to re-open a complaint, they may— 

(a) consider the complaint in accordance with Part 2; 

(b) refer the complaint to— 

(i) another Chairman of an Advisory Committee to consider under Part 2; or 

(ii) a disciplinary panel to consider in accordance with Part 7; or 

(c) request that the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office make a referral to an investigating 

judge in accordance with rule 100. 

Procedure to be followed when re-opening a case 

141. A Chairman of an Advisory Committee may re-open a case of their own volition. 

142. A complainant may provide new information to the Chairman of an Advisory Committee. 

Consideration of matter in absence of a complaint 

143. Where a Chairman of an Advisory Committee receives no complaint but receives 

information from any source which suggests to them that taking disciplinary action might be 

justified they must consider that information as though it were a complaint and deal with it under 

these Rules with the exception that any obligation to be discharged in relation to a complainant 

does not apply. 

Withdrawal of a complaint 

144. A complainant may withdraw their complaint at any time. 

145. Where a complaint is withdrawn, it may still be investigated if rule 146 applies. 

146. A withdrawn complaint may continue to be investigated where it is being considered by— 

(a) a Chairman of an Advisory Committee or the Advisory Committee if the Chairman of an 

Advisory Committee or the Advisory Committee considers it appropriate to continue to 

investigate the complaint; 

(b) a conduct panel under Part 4 of these Rules if the conduct panel considers it appropriate 

to continue to investigate the complaint; 

(c) an investigating judge under Part 6 of these Rules if the investigating judge considers it 

appropriate to continue to investigate the complaint; or 

(d) a disciplinary panel under Part 7 of these Rules if the disciplinary panel considers it 

appropriate to continue to investigate the complaint. 

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147. Where rule 146 applies, the case is to continue to be considered under these Rules as if the 

complaint had not been withdrawn and the complainant must be informed of this decision by the 

Chairman of the Advisory Committee, the Advisory Committee, the investigating judge or the 

disciplinary panel as the case may be. 

Deferral of consideration of a case 

148. A Chairman of an Advisory Committee or an Advisory Committee may defer consideration 

of a case where there is good reason to do so. 

149. Where consideration of a complaint is deferred, the Chairman of the Advisory Committee 

or the Advisory Committee must inform the complainant and, if they are aware of the complaint, 

the magistrate concerned. 

Transitional provision 

150. These Rules apply to any complaint made before these Rules come into force which has not 

been withdrawn, dismissed or determined. 

Revocation 

151. The Judicial Conduct (Magistrates) Rules 2013 are revoked. 

Lord Chief Justice 

Date 

I agree 

Lord Chancellor 

Date 

19 

ARE THERE SOFT JUDGES AND HARD JUDGES?

American justice generally is not held in too high a regard here but there are exceptions. The concept of a grand jury is alien to our way of deciding whether or not an alleged criminal should be prosecuted. Although originating in England during the Middle Ages, grand juries are only retained in two countries; the United States and Liberia. It is a group of citizens—empowered by law to conduct legal proceedings, investigate potential criminal conduct and determine whether criminal charges should be brought. A grand jury may subpoena physical evidence or a person to testify. A grand jury is separate from the courts which do not preside over its functioning. Certainly there is a strong argument that in certain circumstances such a method is at least equal to the British way of managing prosecutions.  It is an extension of the jury principle of common citizens deciding a defender`s fate albeit before a formal trial rather subsequent to it. In addition and at the extreme end of citizen participation American juries in some states have the authority to impose capital punishment of offenders whilst judges are the final arbiters in others. 

It seems that a general overview is that in America the law and its disposals are closer to the ordinary citizen than in the U.K. where there is no public input into decisions to prosecute and the nearest ordinary folk have to sentencing is a victim statement. Indeed as a non lawyer it seems to me that judges have a much greater say in the management of serious criminal offending than their American cousins. That being the case the sanctions on judges who err is, on the surface, propagated by the Judicial Conduct  Investigations Office but my cynical personality holds the opinion that much or more goes on behind closed doors of the judiciary than in front. That being said it has been well known amongst the legal fraternity for centuries that there hard judges and soft judges; those will take the hardest view within the Guidelines and their more sensitive brethren who lean towards a sympathetic view.  With a dearth of print reporting of crown court trials and those that are reported being limited by the space afforded by cost conscious editors to source two trial reports of the same courtroom presided over by the same judge is an interesting exercise.

The date is July 20th and the venue is Sheffield Crown Court where HH Judge Sarah Wright was on the bench. The offence of causing serious injury by dangerous driving is no laughing matter; it can result in 5 years in custody. However HH decided that this offender`s custodial sentence of two years custody be suspended for two years in addition to  240 hours of unpaid work, a rehabilitation requirement and a driving ban.  Only those in attendance or who buy a transcript can truly pass learned comment but on the basis that the other 99.99% of those who might be interested are barred from an opinion is of course rubbish. 

Also on trial in the same court on the same day before the same judge was Ben Oberg who pleaded guilty to controlling and coercive behaviour, common assault and damaging property in Barnsley between August and September, 2020. He too benefited from what seems was Judge Wright`s sympathetic attitude to what many folk on the Clapham Omnibus would consider offending worthy of immediate jail time.  Read the report and decide whether you too have the impression that Mr Oberg is a lucky man to have found himself before a judge who seems in line with the government`s bidding of screaming sentences are not harsh enough but please don`t underrate suspending sentences of custody whilst our jails are almost always near enough full to capacity. 

TV HISTORY IS MADE

This blogger has advocated for many years that the proceedings at courts should and could be shown on live TV.  Today history was made on Sky News when the sentencing remarks in the case of Ben Oliver who killed his grandfather in a frenzied savage attack were broadcast live.  Presumably these historic 20 minutes will be available on the Sky News you tube channel.   

When print and other media court reports are published they are limited by the space or time available. This was real insight into how a major part of the justice system works.  Would that the rest of the system from crime prevention to waiting times to trial were as efficient. 

EMBED APPEALS FROM MAGISTRATES COURTS

Miscarriages of justice is a subject about which the public is generally ignorant or unaware until or unless a prisoner convicted of a serious crime is released from prison with a mention in most news bulletins until the next 24 hour headline takes over.  The system of courts is rather like the system of locks on a canal. Enter the first and reach its maximum level (or depth) of water and proceed onwards until desired level is attained to continue a journey. For the courts, be found guilty at crown court level and appeal to court of appeal. Taking a step back conviction and/or sentence at the magistrates court can be appealed at crown court before a bench of a judge and two magistrates with a sentence there being able to be appealed at the court of appeal. Similar steps are in place for the civil courts. Appeals against decisions in magistrates courts are statistically quite rare since the vast majority of cases are summary only and the costs of appeal would scarcely be worth the effort for those convicted.  Statistics of appeals of this nature are now apparently unavailable with the MOJ using the excessive cost get out to avoid disclosure. The latest figures I can obtain are below.  Please use the magnifying tool for comfort.

The main thrust of  this post is that there is a perception amongst defence lawyers that clients have a better chance of acquittal in either way cases by electing trial by jury. Crown court cases are considerably more expensive than in magistrates courts. With those two factors in mind, earlier this year the MOJ extended magistrates courts` sentencing powers from six to twelve months custody.  In so doing the risks and consequences  of miscarriages of justice have increased.  In addition the MOJ with its well publicised programme of appointing an additional 4,000 magistrates by 2025 adds additional possibilities of miscarriages of justice by those newbies being likely to have inhibitions against opposing more senior colleagues` decisions. My personal choice to ensure justice was available to all was, after pronouncing verdict and sentence to offenders, to explain the crown court appeals procedure. I know that very few of my fellow presiding justice colleagues followed my example. A situation unknown to the general public is that decisions of magistrates courts are not necessarily unanimous but are always described as "the decision of the bench". I would propose that that archaic presentation of verdict is now not fit for purpose. I would further propose that any verdict delivered by majority must be immediately conveyed to the offender as being able to be appealed at crown court. It is of course up to the senior presiding judge to recommend such changes. It will take pressure from the legal profession and other bodies eg Transform Justice for those suggestions to be even heard at the highest levels never mind acted upon. Perhaps by 2050 there might be a hint of compliance.