In brief: Judiciary opens up recruitment policy

The post of deputy district judge is to be advertised publicly for the first time this week. A Lord Chancellor's Department spokeswoman said: "This is all part of wanting to open up the judicial system and to get as many people from as wide a spectrum as possible to become judges. Vacancies for district judges are already advertised publicly." Lord Chancellor Lord Mackay said: "It is my hope that candidates from very wide backgrounds will put themselves forward. My advice is: if in doubt, apply."