Law Society research reveals ‘unacceptable’ lack of diversity in judiciary
NEW research by the Law Society of England and Wales has found that if things continue the way they are, it will take more than 120 years for the judiciary to be fully representative.
The Law Society is an independent professional body that works globally to support and represent solicitors. Its president, Lubna Shuja, is reported to have said, “As we near the end of Black History Month, which this year focuses on ‘action, not words,’ it is unacceptable
that Law Society research has found it could take over 120 years for women, black and Asian people to represent the society they serve on the bench.
“Black judges currently make up just 1.09 per cent of the judiciary, compared to 1.02 per cent in 2014. At that rate, it would take until 2149 for the proportion of the judiciary who are black to match current estimates for the general population (3.5 per cent).”
But it is not just black candidates who are held back. Asian women judges also bear the brunt of the lack of diversity on the bench. At present, Asian judges make up 4.79 per cent of the judiciary, and compared to 2014, this is up by 2.53 per cent. However, if the rate of change persists, experts estimate that it would be 2033 before the percentage of Asian judges match the general population, which is eight per cent.
Shuja, who has appealed to the government to intervene, added, “We need a judiciary that truly reflects our diverse society. We must take action and make real, lasting change so our judges can represent the people who come before them in court. We urge the UK government to address the structural barriers that are holding back talented candidates.
“We know that progress does not happen overnight. However, we cannot wait over 120 years for women, Asian and black judges to be fully representative on our court benches.
“We owe it to the public – who often use the judicial system at times of great stress – to at least have judges who represent and can relate to them.”