We have to
admit that we all have a particular image of judges. This is based on what we
see in the media, soap operas and in some cases our own experience.
The three
words often used are male, pale and stale.
There have
been many stories over the years which have seemed to support this image. I
have referred in a previous blog to some amusing moments such as the time when
a judge asked the barristers to explain what Linford Christie’s Lunchbox was!
The most
recent controversy surrounded the judge who commented on the courage of
burglars –
These are
serious matters. We want our courts to be in the hands of judges who are in
touch with our lives. In fairness much has been done to try and address this, to
encourage younger applicants and especially more women and lawyers from ethnic
minorities.
But according
to a new report there is still a long way to go.
According
to the report which appears in today’s Guardian only Azerbaijan
and Armenia
have less women judges.
The report
notes that – ‘Women predominate in places such as Slovenia where they constitute 78% of judges, in
Greece where they make up
65% and France
where they are 64%.’ The percentage in England
and Wales
is just 23%.
This is more than just embarrassing. Women make up 50% of
the population. They make up more than half of new lawyers. A judicial system without
representation from women is simply not reflecting our world. And that is
before we even start to look at ethnic minority representation.
It is only fair to say that we do have a large number of
highly capable and understanding judges. But we need more. I wonder it isn’t time for a complete overhaul
of our appointments system. Our judges come from the ranks of longstanding
lawyers. In Franceit is a career path so new lawyers are trained as judges from the start.
We all need to ensure that this is addressed. But I won’t be
joining the ranks – I am far too male, pale and stale!
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