| Synopsis: |
Together with the executive and the legislature, the judiciary forms one of the three arms of state. The proper functioning of the judiciary is vital to the proper functioning of any stable democracy. Following on from a July 2007 Green Paper ("The Governance of Britain (Cm. 7170)" - ISBN 0101717024, available below), this consultation paper examines the arrangements for making judicial appointments in England and Wales as well as considering the possible implications for the devolved administrations in Scotland and Northern Ireland.Issues discussed include: the role of the three arms of state and the doctrine of the separation of powers; fundamental principles that should govern judicial appointments, such as the need to maintain the independence and integrity of the judiciary; and, the current process for judicial appointments in the UK and in other countries.This publication sets out options for improving existing arrangements for appointing judges for consultation, and the consultation period ends on 17 January 2008. |