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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CHIEF MINISTER
BY DEPUTY R.G. LE HÉRISSIER OF ST. SAVIOUR ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 19th NOVEMBER 2013
Question
Given the recommendation of the Second Interim Report of the Constitution Review Group calling for a Judicial Appointments Commission (R.64/2013 paragraph 74 refers) and public disquiet over the procedures that applied to the suspension of the former Assistant Magistrate, would the Chief Minister state whether he agrees with the principle of an independent Judicial Appointments Commission and, if so, indicate what steps, if any, he is taking to pursue this?
Answer
As stated in the written answer provided on 23rd October 2012, whilst I have confidence in our system of justice, I am not closed to the system of judicial appointments being considered. The Second Interim Report of the Constitution Review Group (R.64/2008), presented to the States Assembly on 27th June 2008, recommended that consideration should be given to the creation of a Judicial Appointments Commission. Now that responsibility for justice policy and resources within the executive branch of government has been clarified, this recommendation can be taken forward, having due regard for the Latimer House Guidelines regarding judicial appointments. I would expect to be in a position to bring forward a green paper on the possible establishment of a Judicial Services Commission during the first half of 2014.