Listen
Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland
01/06/2009
From today the Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland, which was set up on an administrative basis in 2002, will become an advisory Non-Departmental Public Body, underpinned by statute.
This change of status, as provided for in the Judiciary and Courts (Scotland) Act 2008, gives added authority and independence to its role in recommending candidates for judicial offices and providing advice to Ministers in connection with such appointments.
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said:
"This is an important step that continues to ensure the independence of the judiciary in Scotland.
"I have complete confidence that the new Board will continue to recommend the best individuals for judicial office ensuring that the people of Scotland are served by a first class judiciary. I wish the Board well in their task and look forward to continuing to strengthen our working relationship"
Sir Muir Russell, the Chairing Member of the Judicial Appointments Board said:
"The strengthened status of the Board and its guaranteed independence are critical in retaining the confidence of the public and the legal profession in having an open and transparent judicial appointments system solely based on merit.
There are many challenges ahead for the new Board. We are currently reviewing our processes and procedures to ensure that we have the fullest possible evidence when selecting the best possible candidates for judicial offices."
The Judicial Appointments Board has been established as an advisory Non-Departmental Public Body by virtue of the Judiciary & Courts (Scotland) Act 2008, replacing the administrative body established in 2002.
The Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland was set up in 2002 with a remit to advise Ministers on the appointment of Judges, Sheriffs Principal and Sheriffs (both full-time and part-time). The Board is responsible for selecting individuals to recommend to Ministers on the appointment of judges in the Court of Session and sheriff courts, as well as other judicial offices set out in the Act. Ministers may only recommend to Her Majesty individuals selected by the Board and recommended to Ministers. The Board is also responsible for approving procedures for the appointment of Justices of the Peace.
There are ten Board members, five legal members (a Judge, Sheriff Principal, Sheriff, an Advocate and a Solicitor) and five lay members including Sir Muir Russell as the lay Chairing Member.