Political assaults on judges and attorneys may drive legal professionals away, potentially limiting access to justice for working-class individuals, cautioned the Attorney General. Richard Hermer criticized the hostile environment that is being directed towards justice system workers, suggesting that many dedicated to upholding justice may rethink their careers.
The Attorney General’s remarks come in the wake of a controversial speech by Robert Jenrick at the Conservative conference, where he symbolically wielded a judge’s wig, vowing to prevent any political activists from assuming judicial roles. Lord Hermer, in an interview with the Mirror, highlighted the risks of judges and lawyers resigning due to threats and attacks, which could lead to trial delays or collapses.
Lord Hermer emphasized the detrimental impact of recent trends where judges and lawyers are personally targeted and vilified, leading to professionals reconsidering their roles. He warned that such attacks could result in a shortage of legal practitioners to handle cases, potentially causing delays and hindering access to justice, especially for the working class.
Recent scrutiny faced by immigration barristers at London-based Garden Court chambers prompted a staunch defense of their competence. Robert Jenrick spearheaded a campaign to expose what he labeled as activist judges, calling out specific individuals he deemed unfit to preside over immigration cases. This approach drew criticism from various legal bodies, including The Bar Council of England and Wales and other legal societies, who expressed concern over the escalating hostility towards legal professionals.
The legal institutions, representing a collective of 250,000 lawyers, voiced serious apprehensions regarding the treatment of legal professionals amidst the political backlash. Lord Hermer echoed their concerns, citing instances of violence, death threats, and harassment directed at legal practitioners and their families.
In response, a Labour source stressed the government’s obligation to address systemic challenges within the judicial system, aiming to resolve issues like prolonged court delays, escalating attrition rates in rape cases, and a substantial backlog in asylum cases. This commitment to reform contrasts with what they perceive as divisive tactics employed by certain factions.