We face a torrent of abuse, says new top judge

JUDGES ARE facing an increasing “torrent of personal abuse” online and in social media, the new Lord Chief Justice has said.

Lord Burnett, speaking in his first press conference after taking over the role of head of the judiciary of England and Wales, added that there was a “growing number of cases where judges are threatened and physically abused”.

Talking of his concern to increase public understanding of what judges do, he said he believed “greater understanding will lead to greater respect”.

Lord Burnett, who has been Lord Chief Justice for two months, added: “Of course, judges must earn that respect, and should not be immune from criticism for their decisions, but fair criticism is different from abuse.

“By this I mean those cases where judges face a torrent of personal abuse for decisions they have made – increasingly online and in social media – and a growing number of cases where judges are threatened and physically abused.”

Speaking at the Royal Courts of Justice in central London, he added: “Some is calculated to intimidate judges individually or collectively. Such abuse is capable of undermining the rule of law.

“Judicial independence and impartiality is at the heart of the rule of law.”

Lord Burnett said he doubted whether most people “appreciate the nature of the work done by our judges on a day-to-day basis”.

Nobody should underestimate “how difficult and harrowing it can be to deal regularly with family cases concerning child protection, or criminal cases involving serious violence or sexual abuse”, he said.

Lord Burnett added he took on the job of Lord Chief Justice as he thought he might “have something to contribute” and could build on the work of his predecessor, Lord Thomas.

“There is a huge amount to do, but there are two things that I have been particularly concerned about: to increase awareness of what judges do, together with their centrality to maintaining the rule of law; and to secure the reforms necessary to bring the working of our justice system up to date.”

Asked what he felt would be his greatest achievement in the role, Lord Burnett said: “I would like to be seen to have helped improve the morale of the judiciary.”

Lord Burnett said: “Our judges work incredibly hard making important, often life-changing decisions, day in, day out, in difficult circumstances. What goes on in court is only part of what a judge has to do. There are long hours out of court away from the public gaze. I want people to know that.”