Judges join study board

THE JUDICIAL Studies Board is to appoint two circuit judges to share the newly created post of director of studies, in a bid to bolster its training role.

Lord Chancellor Lord Mackay announced the move last Monday. He praised the board and its five committees for devoting their own time to developing the board’s work.

But he added: “I do not think it is satisfactory that the board’s work should be so dependent on their voluntary efforts and accordingly my department is considering how to bolster the secretariat with legal, training and publications expertise.”

The board plans to appoint one Circuit judge with Crown Court experience and another with a County Court background to share the director of studies post.

The decision follows an internal review which has been backed by Lord Mackay.