A diktat aimed at clamping down on judges speaking in public and attending parties has been criticised as an attempt to “gag” the judiciary.
Judicial guidance told all judges in England and Wales that they could face disciplinary action if they engage in public debate “on any topic” without getting permission to speak or passing the request to an authorised official.
It also instructed judges to think twice about accepting invitations to events hosted by law firms or barristers’ chambers. Judges were told to “ensure that the occasion does not create a public perception of partiality” towards an organisation, group or cause.
City law firms and commercial law barristers’ chambers spend tens of thousands of pounds each year on summer parties to impress clients. Judges