Chapter 12

One of the two branches of the legal profession in England and Wales; the other being a solicitor. Barristers traditionally focus primarily on advocacy, and on qualification have full rights of audience in court. They are regulated by the Bar Council, and must be a member of one of the four Inns of Court.

The body responsible for training judges and lay magistrates. The JSB is independent of the government.

The collective term for the judges who adjudicate on cases before the courts. It represents one of the powers of the British constitution.

A judge who usually sits in the House of Lords. The proper title is Lord of Appeal in Ordinary.

A senior member of the Cabinet. Following the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, the Lord Chancellor’s office is ministerial rather than judicial and is combined with the role of Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs. The Lord Chancellor will continue to have duties relating to the administration of justice, but not in a judicial capacity.

The head of the judiciary in England and Wales. Following the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, the Lord Chief Justice is the President of the Courts of England and Wales. He or she is responsible both for the welfare and training of the judiciary and for representing the views of the judiciary to Parliament.

The 12 senior appeal court judges in the House of Lords who hear the most important civil and criminal appeals. Following full implementation of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 they will become Justices of the Supreme Court. They are popularly referred to as Law Lords.

Judges in the Civil and Criminal Divisions of the Court of Appeal.

Lay justice who sits in the magistrates’ court. Magistrates have no formal legal qualifications, are not paid for their services and have limited sentencing powers. Also known as a Justice of the Peace.

A part-time judge, who is also an experienced solicitor or barrister. A recorder can sit in both Crown or county courts, and hears the less complex cases. Becoming a recorder is often the first step towards becoming a full-time judge.