Understanding the Hierarchy of Senior Judges in the United Kingdom
The judicial hierarchy in the United Kingdom is complex and nuanced, with several key positions holding significant influence over the functioning of the legal system. This article provides an overview of the roles and responsibilities of the top-ranking judges in England and Wales, focusing on the Lord Chief Justice, the Master of the Rolls, and the President of the Supreme Court.
The Lord Chief Justice
The Lord Chief Justice (LCJ) is the highest-ranking judge in England and Wales, serving as the Head of the Judiciary and President of the Courts of England and Wales. The current incumbent is Lord Burnett of Maldon, who began his tenure on 3 April 2006. The Lord Chancellor's judicial functions were transferred to the Lord Chief Justice under the Constitutional Reform Act 2005. This role bestows the title of ‘Right Honourable’ upon the individual.
The Lord Chief Justice serves as the head of the criminal judicial branch, responsible for the administration of justice within the courts. With the title being one of the most prestigious in the legal system, it is a position of immense respect and influence. Additionally, the LCJ is the highest-paid judge in the country.
The Master of the Rolls
Second in judicial importance to the Lord Chief Justice is the Master of the Rolls (MR). The Master of the Rolls holds a significant position as the head of the civil courts and is a judge of the Court of Appeal, presiding over the Civil Division. The current Master of the Rolls is Sir Terence Etherton, who, incidentally, also served as a fencer in the Olympics prior to his judicial career.
While the title of Master of the Rolls is not as cool as that of the Lord Chief Justice, it comes with a significant responsibility to manage a large number of judges and oversee the deployment and organization of their work. The MR is often involved in the most complex civil cases and consultations on matters related to the civil justice system and rights of audience. As a Member of the Privy Council and a Head of Division, the Master of the Rolls also holds the prefix ‘Right Honourable’.
The President of the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom is the final court of appeal in civil cases and the highest court in criminal cases. At the head of this court is the President. While the President of the Supreme Court does not head a specific branch of the judiciary, they are the most senior judge in the highest court of the land.
The current President of the Supreme Court is Lord Reed of Allemuir, a Scot by origin. This position is significant as it places the Judge at the top of the order of precedence, despite not leading any specific judicial branch. The role of the President involves overseeing the operations of the Supreme Court, providing judicial leadership, and ensuring the administration of justice is carried out in the most effective manner.
Conclusion
While the hierarchy of senior judges in the UK legal system can be subjective and context-dependent, the Lord Chief Justice, Master of the Rolls, and President of the Supreme Court each play crucial roles in maintaining the integrity and administration of justice. Understanding these roles is essential for anyone interested in the workings of the UK’s highest courts and legal system.