UK Lady Chief Justice Raises Security Concerns Over Judge-Only Trials

The Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales, Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill, has expressed “grave security concerns” regarding the government’s proposal to introduce judge-only trials for certain criminal cases. The concerns center around the potential risks to judges’ safety when deciding guilt without a jury, particularly circuit judges operating outside of major court centers.

Background on the Proposed Reforms

The government’s proposed reforms aim to address the significant backlog in the criminal court system. Under the plan, judges would preside alone in cases where a conviction could lead to a prison sentence of up to three years . This would remove the traditional right to a jury trial for a substantial number of defendants.

Lady Chief Justice’s Concerns

Speaking at her annual press conference at the Royal Courts of Justice, Baroness Carr highlighted the differing security environments faced by High Court and circuit judges. Circuit judges typically operate from a single court center, making them more vulnerable than High Court judges who may sit in various courts across England and Wales . She emphasized her responsibility to ensure judicial security is adequately addressed if the reforms are implemented.

Baroness Carr stated she had “made the case very, very strongly” for proper security resourcing and had been “assured that that has all been heard and understood, and that the resources will be made available” .

Growing Abuse of Judges

The Lady Chief Justice also expressed concern about the increasing levels of abuse directed at judges, particularly on social media. This abuse is reportedly becoming increasingly racist and misogynistic, and difficult to control. A taskforce, chaired by Lady Justice Yip, has been established to address judicial security, including assessing methods used in Canada to monitor online abuse .

Improvements have already been made to security at court buildings and collaboration with the police has been enhanced, leading to better response rates and a greater understanding of the importance of judicial security . Judges now receive security advice as part of their training, and tailored measures are implemented for individual judges when necessary.

Baroness Carr’s Background

Sue Lascelles Carr, Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill, was born on September 1, 1964 . She assumed the role of Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales in October 2023, becoming the first woman to hold the position since its inception in the 13th century , . Prior to this, she served as a High Court judge from 2013 to 2020 and a Lady Justice of Appeal from 2020 to 2023 .

She was called to the Bar in 1987 and specialized in commercial law, becoming Queen’s Counsel in 2003 .