Memorandum by the Association of Women
Barristers
1. The AWB has approximately 500 members
and its elected committee promotes the wishes and interests of
its members. Its current Chairwoman is Jane Hoyal and its current
President is the Right Honourable Baroness Hale of Richmond.
2. The AWB has campaigned for a fundamental
reform in the way the professional judiciary is appointed. The
AWB believes that the case for an independent Judicial Appointments
Commission is overwhelming and that the public interest in securing
a diverse judiciary which more reflects society is urgent. The
AWB has responded to all the Government consultation papers and
circulated policy and other relevant responses which are available
on request.
3. The experience of modern Jurisdictions
eg Canada has highlighted the "merit" in judges selected
by the application of measurable objective criteria in accordance
with non-discriminatory practices.
Public confidence in the judiciary has been
enhanced by the positive implementation of a non discriminatory
application procedure, policy and practice.
4. England, Wales and Northern Ireland have
a professional judiciary which is composed of mainly white, male
ex barristers. The very low number of women at Circuit Bench,
High Court, Appeal Court and House of Lords level is regarded
by some as a national disgrace, given the number of eligible women
lawyers. The AWB has the highest regard for the excellence, high
integrity and merit of the existing Judiciary.
5. The AWB supports strongly that part of
the Bill creating the independent Judicial Appointments Commission.
It considers that arguments over other parts of the Bill should
not be allowed to delay this long overdue reform.
6. The AWB agrees with the Fawcett Society,
Rights of Women, the Discrimination Law Association and the Haldane
Society in respect of the urgent need for the above reform. Drafting
points can be resolved with a commitment by all to co-operate
in ensuring that mischievous, unreasonable, obstructive, delaying
or blocking tactics are not employed.
The AWB is available to provide oral and/or
further written evidence if requested.
June Hoyal
April 2004
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