Being a Judge
Career background
"I studied at Leeds University, two years ahead of Jack Straw and one year above Jeff Hoon. I practicised as a solicitor for 18 years, predominantly on family and crime. I became a District Judge in Leeds and then Stipendiary Judge in Bradford. I consider myself a local, friendly judge.
My ancestors came to England from Rumania 80 years ago. They spoke no English on arrival but soon mixed and integrated although they retained their religion and customs. My great grandparents would never dream that their offspring would ever attain the position of Judge. The moral of this is that change comes but not particularly quickly. Be patient.
As well as talking about judges I will talk today about race and training. I am particularly involved in cases of racially aggravated crime."
"You see before you a much maligned, endangered species, frequently the target of the media. If there is a problem with badly framed legislation it makes the judiaciary and politicians seem inept at the same time. Judges should be apolitical but it is hard to as it seems as though the Home Secretary wants a cardboard cutout and tape recorder of his voice delivering an automatic penalty. Judges are easy targets. They give their reasons in court but they are ignored or reported selectively. The media distort decisions to create sensational headlines and I am not prepared to sit back and accept this. The public ought to know what judges do in and out of court."
Popular Misconceptions
"I no longer recognise the public image of judges that you see in TV dramas: ageing men with public school and Oxbridge backgrounds, living in large country houses who spend all their spare time reading the works of Shakespeare and listening to Handel. Women are increasingly becoming judges. Many judges went to redbrick universities and took all sorts of jobs in the holidays. While I was at university I had a job in Leeds market.
I recently went back to visit university and saw Jack Straw greeted by hundreds of students demonstrating outside the Students' Union building with placards. This was exactly what Jack Straw had done when we were there.
Judges are in tune with what is going on. We have young families. We watch Pop Idol and I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here. I am personally looking forward to the start of the new series of Footballer's Wives this week. There are few judges that resemble the stereotype. New judges are well and truly different, not a part of the establishment."
The Function of a Judge
Illustrated by the following quotes:
"Judges shall discharge their duties objectively and impartially so that they may earn the trust and affection of the people."
The Arthashastra, an ancient Hindu political treatise
"Justice should not only be done, but should manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done."
Lord Hewart
This is echoed in the judicial Oath of Office:
"I will ... do right to all manner of people after the laws and usages of this Realm without fear or favour, affection or ill will."
"I spoke those words as I was sworn in,wearing all the robes, wig and regalia I was conscious of the past and felt privileged. Another maxim I keep in mind when faced with a difficult case is derived from ancient Greek philosophy and states that when a judge tries a case, he himself is on trial."
How to become a Judge
"Previously this was by recommendation. Until the Courts Act 1982 it was not permissable for solicitors to become Circuit Judges, although they could be Stipendiaries. However the rules have changed and the requirements now are:
at least 10 years at the Bar
or
12 years as a Solicitor
at least 35 years of age
Applications can then be made for junior jobs. They are all openly advertised. There is a lengthy application form and referees are contacted. There is a very thorough sifting process for the best candidates as vacancies are over-subscribed. But interviews are offered on merit and then conducted by an independent panel. The interview process includes the latest aptitude testing as for other senior public service posts. Recruitment is a lengthy, arduous process but it is open and fair.
After sitting as a recorder for 5 years you can apply for the Circuit Bench. Vacancies are advertised and follow a similar interview process."
Community Links
"I am the Ethnic Minority Liaison Judge for Leeds and Bradford (there is one at all the court centres) and Co-ordinator of all the EML judges. EML judges have an annual conference and act as a point of reference to deal with any concerns regarding local communities.
I am also involved with West Yorkshire Race Issues Advisory Group. WYRIAG organises job events, promotes the employment of ethnic minorities throughout the criminal justice system - Courts, Probation Service, Police and Prison Service.
I am also a member of the Area Criminal Justice Committee which aims to apply joined up thinking and liaison with other courts. I liaise with Pontefract and Wakefield Magistrates Courts, going out to schools to deliver talks and these are well received.
This additional involvement is voluntary. I do it because I enjoy it but also because I feel unable to keep my head below the parapet. There is no point in complaining that the whole world has gone mad unless you try to sort it.
Judges were previously discouraged from dealing with the media. Misreporting had taught judges should be seen and not heard. But I speak on radio phone-ins as I think we should be accessible and not remote."