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3mo ago

UK Judges Face Crisis as Workload, Safety Concerns, and Political Criticism Mount

A survey reveals nearly 40% of judges in England and Wales plan to quit within five years, citing extreme pressures, deteriorating conditions, and threats to judicial independence.

Most who were surveyed said they work under extreme pressure, “in unacceptable building conditions, with little administrative support and growing concerns for their personal safety”
Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill said that the independence of the judiciary must be respected

Overview

  • A judicial attitudes survey found that 39% of full-time judges in England and Wales intend to leave their positions within five years, up from 23% a decade ago.
  • Key factors driving dissatisfaction include excessive workloads, poor building conditions, reduced administrative support, and stagnant funding for the justice system since austerity cuts in 2010.
  • Judges report growing concerns for personal safety, with some receiving death threats and taking extraordinary security measures following public criticism from political leaders.
  • Baroness Carr, the Lady Chief Justice, has defended judicial independence, warning that political attacks undermine the rule of law and exacerbate threats against judges and their families.
  • The survey also highlighted issues of low morale, with bullying, harassment, and discrimination disproportionately affecting women and ethnic minority judges.